Cumilla and Sylhet may experience rain or thunderstorms accompanied by temporary gusty winds of up to 60 kilometres per hour by early Friday afternoon, according to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department. In response to the forecast, river ports in the two regions have been instructed to display local cautionary signal No. 1.
The warning was issued in a forecast released at 5am on Friday (2 October) by the Storm Warning Centre of the Bangladesh Meteorological Department for the country’s inland river ports.
According to the forecast, winds from the west or north-west may temporarily reach speeds of between 40 and 60 kilometres per hour across Cumilla and Sylhet. The gusty conditions are expected to occur alongside rain or thundershowers, with the weather potentially becoming unsettled before 1pm.
As a precaution, the relevant river ports in Cumilla and Sylhet have been asked to maintain cautionary signal No. 1. Such warnings are particularly relevant to vessels operating on inland waterways, where sudden changes in wind and thunderstorms can create hazardous conditions within a short period.
The forecast indicates that the adverse weather is expected to be temporary rather than a prolonged spell of severe conditions. However, the combination of thunderstorms and strong gusts can make river travel more difficult, particularly for smaller boats and vessels operating in exposed stretches of waterways.
The expected wind direction is also specified in the warning. Winds are likely to come from the west or north-west, with speeds potentially rising to 40–60 kilometres per hour during temporary gusts. Such conditions can develop rapidly around thunderstorms, reducing visibility and creating rougher conditions on rivers.
People travelling by water in the affected areas are therefore advised to remain alert to weather developments and to pay attention to the cautionary signal displayed at the river ports. Boat operators and passengers should exercise particular care if thunderstorms or strong winds develop while they are on the waterways.
The warning comes as part of the Meteorological Department’s regular monitoring of weather conditions affecting Bangladesh’s inland waterways. River-port forecasts are issued to provide advance information about potentially hazardous wind and rainfall conditions so that those involved in river transport can take appropriate precautions.
For residents of Cumilla and Sylhet, the forecast means that Friday morning and the period leading up to early afternoon could bring brief spells of unsettled weather. Rain may occur with thunder, while sudden gusts could accompany the storms.
The Meteorological Department’s latest warning specifically covers Cumilla and Sylhet and their associated river ports. Any subsequent change in weather conditions or warning signals would depend on updated forecasts from the department.
