Dhaka:Cyclonic Storm Arnab is anticipated to escalate into a severe cyclonic storm over the west-central Bay of Bengal by Monday midnight, as per the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD).
According to United News of Bangladesh, the deep depression that had been lingering over the east-central Bay of Bengal and adjoining south-east Bay has shifted north-westwards, transforming into Cyclonic Storm Arnab. A special weather bulletin issued by the BMD on Monday morning highlighted these developments.
As of 600 am on Monday, the cyclone was centered over the east-central Bay and adjoining west-central Bay, precisely at latitude 15.4°N and longitude 89.0°E. It was located approximately 820 kilometers south-west of Chattogram, 745 kilometers south-west of Cox's Bazar, 785 kilometers south of Mongla, and 745 kilometers south of Payra.
The storm is projected to proceed west-north-westwards, intensifying into a severe cyclonic storm over the west-central Bay by midnight. It is expected to continue its path northwestward, potentially crossing the Andhra Pradesh coast by October 28 as a very severe cyclonic storm.
The maximum sustained wind speed near the storm's center is about 62 kilometers per hour, with gusts reaching up to 88 kilometers per hour. The sea conditions are likely to be very rough near the storm's center.
The BMD has instructed the maritime ports of Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Mongla, and Payra to hoist distant warning signal No. 2 (R) in place of warning signal No. 1. Furthermore, all fishing boats and trawlers operating in the North Bay have been advised to stay close to the coast and exercise caution until further notice.