International weather forecasting models have predicted the possibility of heavy rainfall for four consecutive days from September 10 due to the formation of a depression in the central Bay of Bengal.

Mostafa Kamal Palash, a weather and climate researcher at the University of Saskatchewan in Canada, gave this information to The Daily Star today (September 8, 2022) after reviewing various models of weather forecasting.

Bangladesh Meteorological Department has already asked the maritime ports in Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Mongla and Payra to hoist local cautionary signal-3.

A 24-hour forecast of the Meteorological Department said a low pressure has formed over the east-central Bay of Bengal and adjoining North Bay of Bengal. It can be concentrated. The axis of monsoon trough is the centre of the low pressure in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha and West Bengal. Its impact extends through the southern part of Bangladesh to Assam.

Shahnaz Sultana, a meteorologist (duty forecasting officer) of the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, told this newspaper, "A low pressure has formed in the Bay of Bengal today. It has not yet become a depression. It seems that the impact of this will be more on India at present. However, under its influence, there will be four days of continuous rain in Bangladesh from September 10 to 13."

When asked how much rain could occur, she said, "It cannot be said right now."

"The wind speed at the low-pressure centre was 25km per hour till noon today. However, in the next few hours, the low pressure will turn into a depression. It is currently located 350 km northwest of The Andaman and Nicobar Islands," said Palash.

"The depression will not hit the Bangladesh coasts. However, there is a strong possibility of rain across the country under its influence. On September 10, there is a possibility a tidal surge of one to three feet higher than normal in Chattogram and Cox's Bazar. At the same time, heavy rains may fall in Chattogram, Hill Tracts and Cox's Bazar districts," he said.

"There is a possibility of heavy rains in almost all the districts of the country on September 11 and 12. In particular, heavy to very heavy rainfalls may occur in many districts of Barishal and Khulna divisions. In some places, there may be up to 200 to 400 millimetres of rain in these two days. The sea will be very rough. There is a possibility of continuous rain till September 14," he also said.

Thre climate researcher advised those who go fishing in the deep sea to return to the coast by September 9.

"Since there will be heavy rains across the country during this time, farmers should not apply fertilisers on the land for these four days. It will not be of much use if you give fertiliser to the land at this time," he added.