The deep depression over the sea has intensified into Cyclone Fengal and is expected to make landfall along India’s Tamil Nadu coast on Saturday evening.
Due to the rough sea conditions, the maritime ports of Chittagong, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla, and Payra have been advised to hoist distant warning signal number 2. Additionally, fishing boats and trawlers have been instructed to remain close to the coast and proceed with caution until further notice.
This information was confirmed by the Bangladesh Meteorological Department on Saturday.
Cyclone details
The deep depression over the southwestern Bay of Bengal and its surrounding areas has intensified into Cyclone Fengal, moving northwestward. It is expected to cross the northern Tamil Nadu coast by evening. The cyclone’s influence extends as far as the northern Bay of Bengal.
The weather office predicts a slight drop in nighttime temperatures and a 1-2°C drop in daytime temperatures across Bangladesh. Although the direct impact of Cyclone Fengal is not expected in Bangladesh, its effects may cause cloudy skies and occasional rainfall in various regions. Temperatures are also likely to decrease significantly.
Special weather bulletin
The special weather bulletin states that Cyclone Fengal is currently located over the southwestern Bay of Bengal and adjacent areas, with a sustained wind speed of up to 62 km/h within 54km of the center, which may rise to 88 km/h in gusts or squalls. The sea near the cyclone’s center remains highly turbulent.
Fishing boats and trawlers in the northern Bay of Bengal and deep sea areas have been advised to stay close to the coast and operate cautiously until further notice.
According to Indian media reports, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that Cyclone Fengal will strike Tamil Nadu’s Puducherry region on Saturday evening, with wind speeds reaching up to 90 km/h during landfall. In anticipation of the cyclone’s impact, a red alert has been issued along Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts, and schools, colleges, and offices have been closed.
About the cyclone name
The name Fengal was given by Saudi Arabia and is derived from an Arabic word meaning ‘cup’ or ‘bowl.’