Light drizzle in Dhaka as cyclone Fengal forms over Bay

Dhaka has experienced light drizzle this evening due to Cyclone Fengal (pronounced Feinjal), which has formed over the Bay of Bengal, according to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD).

BMD meteorologist Kazi Jebunnesa told Jago News that along with the capital, several other areas of the country, including Chattogram, Khulna, and Barishal divisions, have also received rain due to the cyclone.

However, Jebunnesa said that the cyclone is not expected to significantly impact Bangladesh, as it is forecast to cross the coastal area of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. 

She added that temperatures will drop once the clouds caused by the cyclone dissipate.

In its latest special weather bulletin, the BMD reported that Cyclone Fengal, located over the southwest Bay of Bengal, has moved west-northwestward. 

As of 3:00pm Saturday, it was centred about 1,685 km southwest of Chattogram port, 1,645 km southwest of Cox's Bazar port, 1,530 km southwest of Mongla port, and 1,545 km southwest of Payra port.

The cyclone is expected to continue moving westward and cross the North Tamil Nadu coast later this evening or night.

The maximum sustained wind speed near the cyclone center is around 62 km/h, with gusts reaching 88 km/h. The sea remains very rough near the cyclone's center.

BMD has issued Distant Warning Signal-2 for the maritime ports of Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Mongla, and Payra. Additionally, all fishing boats and trawlers operating in the North Bay and deep sea have been advised to stay close to the coast and proceed with caution until further notice.