Rain with Warning Signal-3 issued at four seaports

Dhaka: A No. 3 local warning signal has been issued for the country’s four seaports due to a well-marked low-pressure area over the northwestern Bay of Bengal, with forecasts of rain accompanied by gusty winds in various parts of the country.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department issued the forecast on Monday (August 31).

The low-pressure area over the northwestern Bay of Bengal and adjoining coastal areas of West Bengal and north Odisha has intensified into a well-marked low-pressure area and is currently located over the same region. Under its influence, strong winds are likely to sweep across coastal areas and the seaports.

To avoid any deterioration of the situation, the Meteorological Department has asked the four seaports to continue displaying the No. 3 local warning signal. Weather officials said the well-marked low-pressure area may move further westward and northwestward.

The ports under the warning are Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla and Payra. All fishing boats and trawlers operating in the north Bay of Bengal have been advised to remain close to the coast and proceed with caution until the situation returns to normal. Special precautions are also being taken in coastal districts to prevent any untoward incidents arising from the adverse marine weather conditions.

Meanwhile, the regular weather bulletin said the axis of the monsoon trough extends from Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar through the center of the well-marked low-pressure area and the southern part of Bangladesh to Assam. The monsoon is currently fairly active over Bangladesh and strong over the north Bay of Bengal. As a result, weather conditions may vary across different parts of the country over the next 24 hours.

According to the 24-hour forecast, many areas of Rangpur, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram and Sylhet divisions, and some areas of Rajshahi, Dhaka and Mymensingh divisions, may experience light to moderate rain or thundershowers accompanied by temporary gusty winds. Moderate to very heavy rainfall is also possible in some parts of the country. The Meteorological Department said the rain may cause a slight drop in both daytime and nighttime temperatures across the country.

Separately, the forecast for inland river ports said gusty or squally winds from the south or southeast, with speeds of **45–60 kilometers per hour**, may sweep over Khulna, Barishal, Patuakhali, Noakhali, Chattogram and Cox’s Bazar. Temporary rain or thundershowers are also likely in these areas. The river ports in these regions have been asked to display the No. 1 warning signal.

The authorities have advised the public and boat operators to closely monitor the weather conditions and exercise caution while traveling.