Online Desk: The deep depression over Southeast Bay of Bengal and adjoining area moved further north-northwestwards and lay over the same area. It is likely to turn into into Cyclone ‘Mocha’ sometime after Wednesday evening and midnight. While contacted at about 2:00pm on Wednesday, a meterologist said the deep depression is likely to turn into a cyclone at any moment between Wednesday evening and midnight.

In a press release, the Met office also said the deep depression was centered at 6:00am on Wednesday about 1,550 kms south of Chattogram Port, 1,470kms south of Cox’s Bazar Port, 1,550kms south-southeast of Mongla Port and 1,505kms south-southeast of Payra Port.

It is likely to intensify further and move in a north-northwestward direction until May 11. It will gradually intensify further into a severe cyclonic storm by zero hours on Thursday and very severe cyclonic storm at 6:00am on Thursday.  Thereafter, it is likely to recurve gradually and move north-northeastwards from zero hour of Friday (May 12).

It is likely to weaken slightly from around 12:00 noon on Saturday (May 13) and cross southeast of Bangladesh and north of Myanmar coasts between Cox’s Bazar of Bangladesh and Kyaukpyu of Myanmar sometime between 3:00am and 6:00am on May 14 (Sunday). with maximum sustained wind speed of 110-120 kmph gusting to 130 kmph, said the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) in a forecast.

It also forecast that storm surge with height of about 1.5-2.0 metre above the astronomical tide is likely to inundate low-lying areas of north Myanmar and adjoining southeast Bangladesh coasts during the time of landfall. Maximum sustained wind speed within 48kms of the deep depression center is about 50kph rising to 60kph in gusts or squalls. Sea will remain rough near the deep depression center.

Maritime ports of Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla and Payra have been advised to keep hoisted distant Cautionary Signal No 1. All fishing boats and trawlers over North Bay and deep sea have been advised to remain close to the coast and proceed with caution. They are also advised not to venture into the deep sea.

Meanwhile, the Met Office said severe heat wave is sweeping over the districts of Rajshahi, Chuadanga, Kushtia and Patuakhali and mild to moderate heat wave is sweeping elsewhere over the country and it may continue. The sun sets at 06:32 pm on Wednesday and will rise at 05:18am on Thursday in the capital.