The low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal has intensified into a well-marked low-pressure area, with forecasts suggesting that it could further develop and strike Bangladesh by Wednesday (23 October) or Thursday (24 October), said the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD).
BMD has issued warnings of rainfall across all divisions in the country due to this system.
The forecast for the next 72 hours, as issued on Monday (21 October), predicts rainfall or thundershowers in parts of Dhaka, Khulna, Barishal, and Rajshahi divisions, with isolated rainfall expected in the Rangpur, Mymensingh, Chattogram, and Sylhet divisions.
Daytime temperatures may see a slight drop across the country, while nighttime temperatures could rise by 1 to 2 degrees Celsius.
In a weather alert issued the same day, BMD warned that if the system develops into a cyclone, it will be named "Dana", a designation given by Qatar.
The alert further advised all fishing boats and trawlers in the northern Bay of Bengal and deep sea to stay near the coast until further notice, ensuring they can seek shelter at short notice.
According to the cyclone alert, the low-pressure system is expected to form over the sea on 23 October and may develop into a powerful cyclone by 23 or 24 October.
Should it hit the coastal regions of Barishal or Khulna divisions, wind speeds could reach between 100 and 120 kilometres per hour.
If the cyclone strikes during high tide, there is a possibility of storm surges 6 to 8 feet higher than usual, threatening coastal areas in Satkhira, Khulna, and Bagerhat districts. In the case of landfall during low tide, storm surges 2 to 4 feet higher than normal are anticipated.
If the cyclone veers towards India’s Odisha, wind speeds could range from 130 to 150 kilometres per hour.
West Bengal Meteorological Department has reported that the seas around Odisha and West Midnapore have already turned turbulent, with rain expected in several districts of South Bengal starting Tuesday.
The authorities have also imposed a three-day ban on fishing in the sea starting Wednesday. If the cyclone strengthens in the east-central Bay of Bengal on 23 October, as expected, large areas, including Kolkata, could face significant flooding.
West Bengal government has issued orders to evacuate people from coastal and low-lying areas to safer locations as a precautionary measure.
Looking ahead to Wednesday (23 October) the weather forecast suggests rain or thunderstorms in most parts of Khulna and Barishal divisions, as well as in some areas of Rajshahi, Rangpur, Dhaka, Mymensingh, Chattogram, and Sylhet divisions.
Temperatures across the country may decrease by 1 to 2 degrees Celsius during the day and night.
For the extended five-day forecast, the likelihood of rainfall is expected to diminish.
