A low-pressure system that had formed over the Bay of Bengal has moved inland and is expected to gradually weaken, according to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD).

In its advisory issued on Tuesday (August 19), the BMD maintained Local Warning Signal No. 3 for coastal areas, citing the potential for stormy conditions along the shoreline.

Dr. Md Omar Faruq, a meteorologist with the BMD, reported that the low-pressure area was situated over the west-central Bay of Bengal and adjoining north-western Bay, near the coasts of northern Andhra Pradesh and southern Odisha. 

By 6 am, the system had moved in a northwesterly direction, crossing the southern Odisha coast. It is now positioned over coastal Odisha and adjoining regions.

The system is forecast to continue moving northwest and weaken gradually. However, due to the influence of the low-pressure area, significant variations in air pressure are prevailing over the northern Bay of Bengal. 

This is likely to cause gusty or squally winds over the northern Bay, coastal regions of Bangladesh, and maritime ports.

As a precaution, maritime ports in Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla, and Payra have been instructed to hoist Local Warning Signal No. 3.

Besides, all fishing boats and trawlers operating in the northern Bay have been advised to remain close to the coast and proceed with caution until further notice.

SMS/