Weather
Low Pressure Over Bay of Bengal May Turn into Cyclone ‘Mongtha’
A low-pressure area over the southeast Bay of Bengal and adjoining regions has intensified into a depression and may further develop into a cyclonic storm named Mongtha, meaning “fragrant flower” in Thai, according to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD).
In a special weather bulletin (No. 1) issued on Saturday (October 25), the BMD reported that the depression was centered at 6 a.m. about 1,320 km south of Chattogram port, 1,245 km south of Cox’s Bazar, 1,320 km south of Mongla, and 1,270 km south of Payra port.
Within 44 kilometers of the depression’s center, the maximum sustained wind speed was recorded at 40 km per hour, with gusts reaching up to 50 km per hour. The sea around the area has become rough.
The Met office said the system is likely to move in a west-northwesterly direction and intensify into a cyclonic storm.
Authorities have advised Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla, and Payra seaports to hoist distant cautionary signal No. 1. All fishing boats and trawlers operating in the North Bay and deep sea have been instructed to stay close to the coast and proceed with caution until further notice.
A low-pressure area is likely to form over the South Andaman Sea and adjoining regions within the next 24 hours, according to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department. The system may gradually intensify as it moves west-northwestward.
Meteorologist Dr Md Omar Faruk said in Saturday’s (22 November) forecast that the existing seasonal low lies over the South Bay of Bengal, with its extension reaching the North Bay.
The forecast indicates that by tomorrow morning (23 November), the weather across the country is expected to remain dry with partly cloudy skies. Light to moderate fog may develop in some areas during early morning hours. Night temperatures may fall slightly, while daytime temperatures are expected to remain nearly unchanged.
Separate forecasts for Sunday through Wednesday suggest that dry weather will persist nationwide, accompanied by partly cloudy conditions. Night temperatures may drop by 1 to 2 degrees Celsius in some regions, with a slight fall in daytime temperatures as well. No significant weather changes are anticipated in the coming days.
Northern Bangladesh has begun experiencing early winter conditions, with Tetulia recording the season’s lowest temperature of 14°C on Friday, according to the Meteorological Department.
Officials say that without the possibility of a late-November storm over the Bay of Bengal, temperatures might have fallen more rapidly, potentially allowing fog and cooler air to trigger a nationwide cold wave.
The Bangladesh Weather Observatory Team (BWOT) reported that if sea conditions remain stable, the season’s first cold wave may arrive in December. Until then, cooler weather will be felt across the country, though not at cold-wave levels.
According to BWOT, the mild and pleasant chill of November is expected to persist throughout the month.
At least 140 people have been killed and 127 others remain missing after Typhoon Kalmaegi swept across the Philippines, according to official figures released on Thursday. The powerful storm is now heading toward Vietnam.
Severe flooding has inundated parts of Cebu province, washing away cars, riverside homes, and even large shipping containers. The National Civil Defense Office confirmed 114 deaths, while local authorities in Cebu reported an additional 28 fatalities.
In Liloan, near Cebu City, at least 35 bodies have been recovered, and many buildings have lost their roofs. On Negros Island, at least 30 people died after mudslides triggered by heavy rains from Kanlaon volcano buried several homes. Six army personnel were also killed when a rescue mission helicopter crashed.
Cebu recorded 18.3 centimeters of rainfall within 24 hours—far above the region’s monthly average of 13.1 centimeters. Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro described the situation as “unexpected” and “catastrophic.”
Scientists warn that climate change is intensifying storms like Kalmaegi, as warmer oceans fuel stronger winds and heavier rainfall. Around 800,000 people have been evacuated to safer areas.
Kalmaegi is expected to make landfall in central Vietnam on Thursday night, where authorities fear the storm could worsen ongoing floods that have persisted for over a week.