Bangladesh may see the formation of a new low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal within the next 24 hours, with the potential to bring rain, thundershowers and gusty winds to three coastal divisions, according to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department.
Khulna, Barishal and Chattogram are expected to experience light to moderate rain or thundershowers in some areas, accompanied by temporary gusty winds. Most other parts of the country, however, are likely 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. Conditions are becoming favourable for a new low-pressure area to develop over the south-eastern Bay of Bengal and adjoining areas within the next 24 hours.
According to the forecast, parts of Chattogram Division may receive rainfall, while isolated areas of Khulna and Barishal divisions could also experience showers. The rainfall may be accompanied by temporary gusty winds, with thunderstorms possible in some locations.
The department’s weather bulletin, covering the 24 hours from 6pm on Tuesday, 13 October, also indicated the likelihood of rain across the three coastal divisions. During this period, scattered areas of Khulna, Barishal and Chattogram may experience showers, while the rest of the country is expected to remain largely dry.
The anticipated rainfall is unlikely to be uniform across the affected divisions. Some localities may experience brief spells of rain, while nearby areas could remain dry. Conditions may also change temporarily as clouds develop and gusty winds accompany showers.
Low-pressure systems form when atmospheric pressure falls in a particular area, influencing the movement of surrounding air and potentially encouraging cloud formation and rainfall. Their effects depend on several factors, including the system’s strength, movement and the prevailing atmospheric conditions over the sea.
The possible development of a low-pressure area does not necessarily indicate that a cyclone will form. Further observations would be needed to determine whether the system strengthens and how its movement might affect Bangladesh.
Residents of the coastal divisions are advised to follow official weather updates as the situation develops. People caught outdoors during thunderstorms should seek shelter in a safe building and avoid exposed locations. Those travelling or working outdoors may also wish to take account of the possibility of sudden showers and gusty winds.
For the time being, the principal forecast concern is the possibility of localised rainfall across Khulna, Barishal and Chattogram over the coming 24 hours. Elsewhere, predominantly dry weather with occasional partial cloud cover is expected, according to the meteorological department.
