Cyclone Arnab intensifies into Category 2-equivalent storm

The system is forecasted to rapidly gain strength over the next 12 hours, potentially escalating into a Category 4-equivalent extremely severe cyclonic storm over the west-central and adjoining southwest Bay of Bengal.

Currently, maximum sustained wind speeds within 64 kilometers of the cyclone center are averaging 155 km/h, with gusts and squalls reaching up to 190 km/h. Sea conditions near the core remain extremely rough.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has advised all maritime ports—Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Mongla, and Payra—to keep distant warning signal No. 3 hoisted. Fishing boats and trawlers operating in the deep sea (beyond 50 kilometers) have been instructed to stay close to the coast and proceed with caution.

Meteorologists project that the system will move generally westward over the next 24 hours before turning north-northwestward, with landfall expected along the northern coast of Andhra Pradesh, India, by the afternoon of October 28. Peak wind speeds during its maximum intensity could reach 210 to 215 km/h, with gusts exceeding 255 to 260 km/h.

While Cyclone Arnab poses no direct strike threat to Bangladesh, its peripheral effects are expected to trigger widespread rainfall across the country under a rain-bearing system active between October 27 and November 1.

Barishal, Khulna, Rajshahi, Rangpur, Mymensingh, and Dhaka divisions are likely to experience heavy to very heavy rainfall, while Chattogram and Sylhet divisions may see comparatively lighter showers.