Low pressure weakens over Bay, heavy rain alert for seven divisions

The low pressure over the Bay of Bengal has weakened after triggering heavy rain, but downpours may continue across seven divisions over the next 24 hours, according to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD).

In a special bulletin issued on Friday evening, it said the system was currently centred over Sherpur and adjacent Meghalaya after weakening into a well-marked low over land.

Due to its influence, many areas in Rangpur, Khulna, Barishal, Dhaka, Mymensingh, Chattogram and Sylhet divisions are likely to experience heavy to very heavy rainfall between 6pm Friday and the following 24 hours.

The bulletin warned of potential landslides in the hilly areas of Chattogram, Rangamati, Khagrachhari, Bandarban and Cox’s Bazar due to very heavy rain.

Temporary waterlogging may also occur in parts of Dhaka and Chattogram city areas.

The Met Office classifies rainfall as follows: 1–10 mm as light, 11–22 mm as moderate, 23–43 mm as moderately heavy, 44–88 mm as heavy, and anything exceeding 88 mm within 24 hours as very heavy.

The system first emerged as a low over the Bay of Bengal on Tuesday.

It strengthened into a well-marked low, became a land depression by 6am Thursday, intensified into a deep depression, then weakened into a well-marked low by Friday evening.

The latest update from the Met Office says the system was centred over Tangail and adjoining areas before moving north or northeast and settling over Sherpur and nearby Meghalaya at 6pm Friday.

It is forecast to continue weakening while releasing more rain.

The well-marked low is also causing deep convective clouds over the northern Bay and nearby coastal areas, where adverse weather may continue.

The ports of Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla, and Payra have been advised to hoist local cautionary signal No. 3.

Fishing boats and trawlers over the north Bay have been asked to stay in safe shelter until notified.