Depression over Bay may turn into cyclonic storm Sunday, but unlikely to hit Bangladesh

The deep depression over the Southwest Bay of Bengal is expected to intensify into a cyclonic storm named "Michaung" on Sunday but it is unlikely to hit the coast of Bangladesh, said the Meteorological Office.

It is likely to move closer to the coast by next Tuesday to Wednesday. However, its trajectory suggests that it may make landfall over the sea port of Visakhapatnam in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.

Meteorologist Muhammad Abul Kalam Mallik told The Business Standard, "The depression may turn into a cyclonic storm on Sunday but there is little risk that it will head towards Bangladesh. However, due to its effect, moderate to heavy rainfall may occur in the coastal areas on Tuesday to Thursday. A gust of wind can also blow over the area."

The Met Office in a statement on Saturday evening said the deep depression over the Southwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining area moved west-northwestwards further and lied over the same area and was centred at 6:00pm on Saturday about 1,565 km southwest of Chattogram port, 1,510 km southwest of Cox's Bazar port, 1,450 km south-southwest of Mongla port and 1,445 km south-southwest of Payra port.

It is likely to move west-northwestwards and intensify further, the Met Office said.

Maximum sustained wind speed within 48 kms of the deep depression centre was about 50 kph rising to 60 kph in gusts/squalls, it said, adding that the 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 1.

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