Depression over bay likely to turn into 'severe cyclonic storm' by tonight
Meteorologists have advised people in the coastal areas, particularly women, children and the elderly, to move to cyclone shelters by this evening since heavy rainfall and coastal flooding due to high tides are expected to start from Sunday morning
The depression over the central Bay of Bengal may intensify into a cyclonic storm by this afternoon (25 May) and a 'severe cyclonic storm' by night, according to meteorologists.
It is very likely to cross Bangladesh and adjoining West Bengal coasts between Sagar Island and Khepupara around midnight on 26 May as a severe cyclonic storm, according to a special bulletin of the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
Mostofa Kamal Palash, a meteorology and climate researcher at the University of Saskatchewan, Canada, said the depression, which will be called "Remal" once it turns into a cyclone, might strengthen further and turn into a 'very severe cyclonic storm.'
"During its landfall, the wind speed could reach 110 to 130 kilometres per hour, with gusts potentially increasing to 140 to 160 kilometres per hour, according to multiple weather forecast models. Gusts were previously predicted to be around 140 kilometres per hour," he said.
He said Cyclone Remal is highly likely (over 90% chance) to hit Bangladesh's coastal regions, including the Satkhira, Bagerhat, Khulna, Pirojpur, Barguna, Patuakhali, and Bhola districts, and the South 24 Parganas district of India's West Bengal with its maximum intensity.
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Palash also warned that the possible cyclone might hit the coast sooner than predicted.
"While various weather forecasts suggest that potential cyclone Remal may start impacting the coast after Sunday morning, cyclones can sometimes accelerate and hit the coast three to six hours earlier than predicted," he said.
"By Saturday evening, the storm will likely fully develop into a cyclone. All weather forecast models indicate that the cyclone will move directly north from Saturday evening," said Palash.
He advised people in the coastal areas, particularly women, children and the elderly, to move to cyclone shelters by Saturday evening since heavy rainfall and coastal flooding due to high tides are expected to start from Sunday morning.
In a bulletin on Saturday morning, the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) said the deep depression over East Central Bay and adjoining West Central Bay moved north-northeastwards over the same area.
It was centred at 9am today and is about 565 km southwest of Chattogram port, 495 km southwest of Cox's Bazar port, 540 km south of Mongla port, and 490 km south of Payra port.
It is likely to intensify and move northeastwards further.
The maximum sustained wind speed within 48 km of the deep depression centre is about 50 kph, rising to 60 kph in gusts or squalls.
The sea will remain rough near the deep depression centre.
Maritime ports of Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Mongla and Payra have been advised to keep hoisted distant cautionary signals no one.
All fishing boats and trawlers in North Bay and the deep sea have been advised to remain close to the coast and proceed with caution until further notice.
They are also advised not to venture into the deep sea.
