Flooding risk in Chattogram division, convection formed in bay

In anticipation of heavy rainfall both within Bangladesh and upstream, rivers in the Chattogram division are expected to swell rapidly over the next three days, potentially submerging low-lying areas in Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Bandarban, Khagrachari, Feni, Cumilla, Noakhali, and Lakshmipur. 

This warning was issued by the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC) on Thursday.

Currently, all major rivers in the country are flowing below danger levels. However, the water levels of the Feni, Muhuri, Halda, Sangu, and Matamuhuri rivers in the Chattogram division are rising, while the Gumti River’s level is decreasing. Meanwhile, the water levels in the Brahmaputra-Jamuna rivers are slowly receding, a trend likely to continue for the next five days, keeping them below the danger level.

Similarly, the water levels of the Ganga-Padma rivers are gradually decreasing and are expected to remain stable for the next two days, staying below the danger level. The Teesta, Dharla, and Dudhkumar rivers in the Rangpur division are also receding slowly and are predicted to remain steady over the next 24 hours.

In the Sylhet division, the water levels of major rivers like the Surma, Kushiyara, Manu, Sarigoin, Dhalai, and Khoai are decreasing and are expected to stabilize over the next two days, remaining below danger levels. The water levels of rivers in the Barisal and Khulna divisions are currently stable, but may rise in the next three days due to forecasts of heavy rainfall.

Maritime ports in Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Mongla, and Payra have been advised to hoist local cautionary signal 3 as deep convection over the North Bay and adjacent coastal areas, fueled by an active monsoon, may result in squally weather. Fishing boats and trawlers in the North Bay have been advised to remain close to the coast and proceed with caution until further notice.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) on Thursday forecasted light to moderate rain across the country over the next 24 hours, starting at 9am. "Light to moderate rain or thundershowers accompanied by temporary gusty winds are likely to occur at most places in Dhaka, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram, and Sylhet divisions, and at many places in Rangpur, Rajshahi, and Mymensingh divisions, with moderately heavy to very heavy falls in Dhaka, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram, and Sylhet divisions," said a BMD bulletin. Day and night temperatures may fall by 1-2°C across the country.

The depression over east Madhya Pradesh and its adjoining areas has slowly moved North-Northwest, now lying over northeast Madhya Pradesh and southern Uttar Pradesh. The monsoon trough runs from Punjab, Haryana, through the center of the land depression, Odisha, Gangetic West Bengal, and Assam, crossing the southern part of Bangladesh. Monsoon activity remains strong in Bangladesh and North Bay. A low-pressure area is also likely to form over the coastal areas of Bangladesh and the North Bay within the next 24 hours.