Dhaka: The Met office has asked four maritime ports to issue cautionary signal number three due to a depression that developed over northwest bay and adjoining west central bay moved slightly northwards and now lies over the same area.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department released the information in a special weather bulletin on Thursday, reports the UNB.

It was centred at 9:00 am today about 970 kms southwest of Chittagong port, 950 kms southwest of Cox’s Bazar port, 780 kms southwest of Mongla port and 815 kms southwest of Payra port.

It is likely to intensify further and move in a north/northeasterly direction. Under its influence deep convection is taking place over North Bay.

Maximum sustained wind speed within 44 kms of the depression centre is about 40 kph rising to 50 kph in gusts/squalls. Sea will remain moderate near the depression centre.

‘The seaports have been advised to lower distant cautionary signal number one but instead hoist local cautionary signal number three,’ the bulletin said.

All fishing boats and trawlers over North Bay and deep sea have been advised to come close to the coast and proceed with caution. They are also advised not to venture into the deep sea.

The Met office also said light to moderate rain/thunder showers accompanied by temporary gusty wind is likely to occur at most places over Rajshahi, Dhaka, Khulna, Barisal and Chittagong divisions and at many places over Rangpur, Mymensingh and Sylhet divisions with moderately heavy falls at places over the country.