Deep depression may intensify in cyclone

The depression over the Bay has moved West-Northwestwards and intensified into a deep depression. It may intensify further and turn into a cyclone, the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) said.

"The deep depression may intensify into a cyclone within the next 24 hours," BMD's meteorologist Monowar Hossain told the Daily Samakal on Saturday morning.

However, the chance of the cyclone lashing Bangladesh is low, he added. It will possibly hit the Andhra Pradesh state of India on December 5 or 6.

As an effect of the cyclone, coastal districts of Bangladesh, especially Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, and Teknaf may experience medium to heavy rainfall. The weather may remain cloudy elsewhere in the country.

Meanwhile, a special BMD weather bulletin issued Saturday reads, "Maximum sustained wind speed within 48km of the deep depression is about 50kph rising to 60kph in gusts/squalls. Sea will remain rough near the deep depression centre."

Maritime ports of Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Mongla, and Payra were advised to keep hoisted Distant Cautionary Signal No One (R) One.

All fishing boats and trawlers over North Bay and the deep sea were advised to remain close to the coast and proceed with caution.

According to the regular weather bulletin issued Saturday, the weather may remain dry with a temporary partly cloudy sky over the country. Light fog may occur over the Northern part and river basins of the country from late night till morning.

Rain or thundershower activity is likely within the next five days.

The country's maximum temperature on Friday was recorded at 32.2 degrees Celsius at Sandwip and the minimum temperature on Saturday was 15.8 degrees Celsius at Badalgachi.

The sun sets at 05:10pm on Saturday and rises at 06:25am on Sunday in the capital.

/KN/