A depression over the west-central Bay of Bengal and adjoining north-western Bay has intensified into a deep depression, leaving the sea rough near its centre and prompting authorities to maintain caution at Bangladesh’s four seaports.
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department issued the update in its fourth special bulletin on the weather system.
According to the bulletin, the deep depression was located at around 9pm on Tuesday approximately 875 kilometres south-west of Chattogram seaport, 850 kilometres south-west of Cox’s Bazar seaport, 695 kilometres south-west of Mongla seaport and 720 kilometres south-west of Payra seaport.
The system is expected to move further west-north-westwards and could cross the coast of northern Andhra Pradesh and southern Odisha in India by around midnight on Wednesday.
Although the system is forecast to move towards the Indian coast, its presence over the Bay of Bengal is affecting maritime conditions in the region. Strong winds may sweep across the seaports, the north Bay and adjoining coastal areas of Bangladesh.
The meteorological bulletin said sustained winds within 48 kilometres of the centre of the deep depression were reaching up to 50 kilometres per hour. Gusts or squalls could increase the wind speed to as much as 60 kilometres per hour.
In response to the deteriorating maritime conditions, Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla and Payra seaports have been instructed to keep hoisting local warning signal No. 3.
The warning is particularly relevant for fishing vessels operating in the northern Bay of Bengal. Fishing boats and trawlers in the area have been advised to remain close to the coast and navigate with caution until further notice.
The development also highlights the need for vessels at sea to monitor official weather updates, as conditions around a deep depression can change quickly. Rough seas and sudden gusts can create additional risks for smaller fishing boats, particularly those operating farther from sheltered coastal waters.
The weather system’s projected movement towards northern Andhra Pradesh and southern Odisha means its main centre is expected to remain away from Bangladesh. However, the Meteorological Department’s warning indicates that the associated winds and rough sea conditions may continue to affect Bangladesh’s maritime zone while the system remains over the Bay.
For now, the four seaports remain under local warning signal No. 3, while fishing boats and trawlers in the north Bay have been advised to exercise caution and await further instructions from the authorities.
