A new low-pressure system may form over the Bay of Bengal within the next 24 hours, potentially bringing rain and thundery showers to three coastal divisions of Bangladesh, according to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department.
Khulna, Barishal and Chattogram are likely to experience light to moderate rain or thundershowers accompanied by temporary gusty winds in some areas. However, most other parts of the country are expected to remain predominantly dry, although skies may be partly cloudy at times.
Dr Muhammad Abul Kalam Mallik, a meteorologist at the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, said an extension of a low-pressure system currently stretches towards the northern Bay of Bengal. The prevailing atmospheric conditions could favour the formation of a fresh low-pressure area over the south-eastern Bay of Bengal and adjoining areas within the next 24 hours.
The potential development is being monitored as part of the department’s regular weather forecasting activities. Low-pressure systems can influence wind patterns, cloud formation and rainfall over surrounding areas. Their effects, however, depend on how the systems develop and move, as well as the prevailing atmospheric conditions.
According to the forecast, parts of Chattogram Division may receive rainfall, while isolated areas of Khulna and Barishal divisions could also experience showers. The rain may be accompanied by temporary gusty winds, with thunderstorms possible in some locations.
The meteorological department’s forecast issued for the 24 hours from 6pm on Tuesday, 13 October, also indicated the possibility of rain across the three coastal divisions. During this period, scattered areas of Khulna, Barishal and Chattogram may experience showers, while the remainder of the country is likely to see generally dry weather with partly cloudy skies at times.
The forecast suggests that rainfall will not necessarily affect all areas equally. Some localities may experience brief showers, while neighbouring areas could remain dry. The possibility of thunderstorms and sudden gusts of wind may also lead to short-lived changes in local weather conditions.
Coastal residents are advised to follow the latest official weather updates, particularly if conditions change as the potential low-pressure system develops. People outdoors during thunderstorms should seek shelter in a safe building and avoid exposed locations. Farmers, transport operators and others whose activities depend on weather conditions may also benefit from keeping track of updated forecasts.
The formation of a low-pressure system does not automatically mean that a cyclone will develop. Its future intensity, movement and potential impact would depend on subsequent atmospheric and oceanic conditions.
For now, the main concern is the possibility of rain and gusty winds in the three coastal divisions over the forecast period, while predominantly dry conditions are expected elsewhere. Any significant change in the system’s development could lead to adjustments in subsequent forecasts.
