The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has asked the country’s maritime ports to hoist Local Cautionary Signal (LCS)-3 after a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal intensified and turned into a well-marked low.

According to a special weather bulletin issued Friday morning, the low developed in the northwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining central Bay off the Odisha-Andhra coast of India, and may strengthen further.

The Met Office warned that a steep pressure gradient over the North Bay could trigger gusty or squally winds across the North Bay, coastal areas, and sea ports of Bangladesh. Consequently, the sea ports of Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Mongla, and Payra have been instructed to hoist LCS-3. Fishing boats and trawlers operating in the North Bay have been advised to return close to the coast and exercise caution until further notice.

In addition, the BMD predicted light to moderate rain or thundershowers accompanied by temporary gusty winds over the next 24 hours at a few places in Rangpur, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram, and Sylhet divisions, and at one or two places in Rajshahi, Dhaka, and Mymensingh divisions.

Authorities have urged residents and maritime operators to remain vigilant and follow safety advisories as the system develops.

MN/