Storm Alert Issued for Six Districts

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has forecast the possibility of severe storms affecting six districts, including the capital Dhaka, with wind speeds reaching up to 80 kilometres per hour by Tuesday evening. In response, warning signals have been issued for river ports in the affected regions.

The warning was published in the inland river port forecast issued for the period between 11:00 am and 6:00 pm on Tuesday. According to the forecast, the districts of Tangail, Mymensingh, Dhaka, Faridpur, Cumilla, and Noakhali may experience temporary squally weather accompanied by rain or thundershowers.

The weather system is expected to move from the west or north-west direction, generating wind speeds ranging from 60 to 80 kilometres per hour in these areas. Due to the likelihood of strong winds and adverse weather conditions, river ports in the affected districts have been advised to display Local Cautionary Signal No. 2.

The Meteorological Department also stated that other parts of the country could experience temporary gusty or squally winds accompanied by rain or thunderstorms. In those regions, wind speeds may range from 45 to 60 kilometres per hour. River ports in the remaining areas have been instructed to display Local Warning Signal No. 1.

The warning specifically applies to inland river transport operations, which are often affected during periods of unstable weather. Temporary squalls and thunderstorms can reduce visibility and create hazardous conditions for small vessels, passenger launches, and cargo boats operating on the country’s river routes.

Bangladesh regularly experiences such weather conditions during the pre-monsoon period, particularly in the afternoon and evening hours. Thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds are common during this season, especially when moisture-laden air combines with heat and unstable atmospheric conditions.

The forecast did not mention any suspension of river transport services. However, the signalling system is intended to alert port authorities, vessel operators, and passengers about potentially dangerous weather conditions so that necessary precautions can be taken.

Below is a summary of the forecast issued by the Meteorological Department:

RegionForecast Wind SpeedExpected WeatherWarning Signal
Tangail60–80 km/hSqually winds with rain or thunderstormsLocal Cautionary Signal No. 2
Mymensingh60–80 km/hSqually winds with rain or thunderstormsLocal Cautionary Signal No. 2
Dhaka60–80 km/hSqually winds with rain or thunderstormsLocal Cautionary Signal No. 2
Faridpur60–80 km/hSqually winds with rain or thunderstormsLocal Cautionary Signal No. 2
Cumilla60–80 km/hSqually winds with rain or thunderstormsLocal Cautionary Signal No. 2
Noakhali60–80 km/hSqually winds with rain or thunderstormsLocal Cautionary Signal No. 2
Other regions45–60 km/hGusty winds with rain or thunderstormsLocal Warning Signal No. 1

The forecast remains valid for the specified period on Tuesday, and river port authorities have been advised to maintain vigilance in line with the Meteorological Department’s warning.

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