Depression over Bay deepens, may turn into cyclone within 24 hours

A low-pressure system over the southeast Bay of Bengal has intensified into a deep depression, with the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) warning that it could develop into a cyclonic storm within the next 24 hours.

In a special weather bulletin issued on Sunday, the BMD said that at 6 am, the system was centred about 1,340km south of Chattogram seaport, 1,270km south of Cox’s Bazar, 1,300km south of Mongla, and 1,265km south of Payra, reports bdnews24.com.

The deep depression is moving west-northwestwards and may continue to intensify as it tracks across the Bay, according to the bulletin.

Meteorologist Kazi Zebunnesa said the potential cyclone would likely make landfall along India’s Odisha and Andhra coasts.

"The system’s impact could bring light rainfall to some parts of western Bangladesh,” she added.

If a cyclone does materialise, it will be called “Montha”, a name contributed by Thailand, meaning “beautiful flower”.

According to the BMD, the maximum sustained wind speed with 48km of the system's centre is about 50kmh, rising to 60kmh in gusts or squalls. The sea remains very rough near the system’s centre.

Authorities have advised the maritime ports of Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla, and Payra to hoist distant cautionary signal No. 1.

All fishing boats and trawlers in the north Bay and deep sea have been told to remain close to shore and proceed with caution until further notice.

Over the next 24 hours, the country’s weather is expected to remain mainly dry with partly cloudy skies, and little change in day and night temperatures.

In the last 24 hours, the highest temperature was recorded in Feni at 35.2 degrees Celsius, while the lowest was in Panchagarh's Tetulia, where the mercury dropped to 21.4 degrees Celsius.