Cyclone threat looms as low brews over Bay of Bengal

October 19, 2024 00:00:00

A man holds an umbrella overhead to shield himself from rain in the capital on Friday. — Focus Bangla

Another trough of low pressure is forming over the Bay of Bengal after the recent dissipation of a depression, according to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department.

The weather system is likely to intensify into a cyclone, the BMD warned on Friday, reports bdnews24.com.

On Wednesday, a similar low-pressure system developed into a depression, impacting India's Tamil Nadu coast before dissipating the following day.

"A low-pressure system is likely to form over the Bay of Bengal on Oct 21 or 22. It may turn into a cyclone," meteorologist Md Omar Faruk said on Friday.

Asked about the potential trajectory of the cyclone, Faruk indicated that it was likely to affect the coasts of Orissa or West Bengal in India. "However, it could also hit Bangladesh if it changes its course."

According to the BMD's regular bulletin, the trough of low currently lies over the north bay.

The system is likely to bring rain or thundershowers, accompanied by temporary gusty winds, to several areas, including Dhaka, Khulna, and Sylhet divisions, with possible lighter rainfall in Rangpur, Rajshahi, Mymensingh, Barishal, and Chattogram divisions.

Day and night temperatures are expected to remain relatively unchanged across the country.

The rainfall caused by the outgoing depression may continue into Saturday, said Omar.

Scattered rainfall across the country may continue on Saturday. After a brief dry spell of two to three days, there could be more rainfall due to the low pressure, according to the meteorologist.

In the past 24 hours, the highest recorded rainfall was 53mm in Barishal. Additionally, Rajshahi's Tarash received 28mm, Bogura 26mm, and Dhaka's Aricha 25mm.

The BMD's long-term forecast for October highlighted the withdrawal of the southwest monsoon and predicted the formation of up to three low-pressure areas over the Bay of Bengal, one of which could intensify into a cyclonic storm.

The last cyclone, named Remal, inflicted significant damage across 20 districts, resulting in losses estimated at Tk 68.8 billion.

The next cyclone might be named Dana, according to Omar.