Coastal Districts Braced for Evening Storms and Squalls

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has issued an official inland weather alert warning of impending squalls, heavy rainfall, and potential lightning strikes across two major coastal districts. According to the state weather authority, temporary gales peaking at speeds of 60 kilometres per hour (kph) are highly likely to impact these regions by Monday evening, 1 June 2026.

Meteorological Forecast and Regional Scope

The specialized weather bulletin remains in effect from 08:30 BST until 18:00 BST on Monday, focusing specifically on safety along internal riverine shipping routes.

The cautionary notice, signed and authorized by senior BMD meteorologist AKM Nazmul Hoque, states that the atmospheric instability will primarily affect the districts of Chittagong and Cox’s Bazar. Weather models indicate that convective cloud systems will generate surface winds originating from the west or north-west. These winds are forecast to maintain sustained velocities ranging between 45 and 60 kph, accompanied by localized downpours and frequent cloud-to-ground lightning strikes.

Precautionary Signals for River Ports

In light of the hazardous conditions, the Meteorological Office has instructed river port authorities across the affected zones to display Riverine Cautionary Signal Number One. This signal serves as a formal safety directive for the maritime sector, advising masters of passenger launches, cargo vessels, and fishing trawlers to proceed with heightened caution.

Meteorological Warning Profile

The regulatory agency highlighted that abrupt shifts in wind direction and rapid storm development present significant operational risks for shallow-draft river vessels. As a result, ship captains and crew members have been advised to keep a continuous watch on real-time weather broadcasts and remain within reach of secure moorings until the convective storm system moves out of the area later tonight.