Bay of Bengal depression may intensify into cyclone Monday

A depression over the Bay of Bengal may intensify into a cyclone on Monday, November 16, as wind speeds around its centre continue to increase, the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) said on Sunday.

According to the department’s special weather bulletin, the depression was located in the southeastern Bay of Bengal and adjoining southwestern Bay at 12pm on Sunday.

It was positioned 1,505 kilometres southwest of Chattogram port, 1,435 kilometres southwest of Cox’s Bazar port, 1,460 kilometres southwest of Mongla port and 1,430 kilometres southwest of Payra port.

The system is expected to move north-northwestwards and intensify further before potentially developing into a cyclone on Monday.

The BMD said maximum sustained wind speeds around the depression’s centre, within a radius of 44 kilometres, were reaching 40 kilometres per hour and could rise to 50 kilometres per hour in gusts or squalls.

The sea remains rough near the centre of the depression, the bulletin added.

The meteorological department has advised Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla and Payra seaports to maintain local cautionary signal No. 1.

Fishing boats and trawlers operating in the North Bay of Bengal have also been advised to remain close to the coast and proceed with caution until further notice.