Heavy rain forecast, cautionary signal No. 3 issued at ports

Amid the scorching heat, the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall and directed the country's four seaports – Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla, and Payra – to hoist local cautionary signal No. 3.

In an alert issued on Tuesday, the forecasters said active monsoon conditions are causing the formation of thunderclouds over the northern Bay of Bengal, with a steep pressure gradient prevailing in the region.

As a result, heavy to very heavy downpours accompanied by gusty or squally winds are expected to sweep over the northern Bay, adjacent coastal areas, and the maritime ports.

Meanwhile, all fishing boats and trawlers operating in the northern Bay have been advised to stay close to the coast and proceed with caution until further notice.

Earlier, the Met Office forecast continuous rainfall from Sunday. A new alert was issued citing the possibility of heavy to very heavy rainfall in parts of the country over the next three days starting Monday morning.

The BMD classifies rainfalls exceeding 88mm over a period of 24 hours as very heavy, while 44–88mm is heavy, 23–43mm moderately heavy, 11–22mm moderate, and 1–10mm light.