Online Desk:  The deep depression over Southeast Bay and adjoining area moved north-northwestwards and intensified into a Cyclonic storm MOCHA (Pronounced as “Mokha”) over the same area and was centred at 6am on Thursday (11 May 2023).

It is likely to intensify further and move in a North-Northwesterly direction till Friday morning (12 May 2023), according to Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD). Thereafter, it is likely to recurve gradually and move North-Northeastwards. The cyclone lay centred at 12noon on Thursday about 1,255km southwest of Chattogram port and 1,180 km south-southwest of Cox’s Bazar, it added.

Maximum sustained wind speed within 54km of the cyclone centre is about 63kph rising to 88kph in gusts or squalls. Sea will remain very rough near the cyclone centre. Maritime ports of Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla and Payra have been advised to keep hoisted distant warning signal no. two (Repeat) two. 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, according to the Indian Met Department (IMD) Mocha is very likely to intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm later on Thursday and thereafter recurve towards north northeast wards from May 12. The cyclone would reach its peak intensity on May 13 before it is likely to weaken slightly from May 14 and cross south east Bangladesh and north Myanmar coasts between Cox’s Bazar and Kyaukpyu with maximum sustained speed of 120-135 km per hour gusting up to 145 km per hour.

Bangladesh met office predicts that rain or thundershowers accompanied by temporary gusty or squally wind is likely to occur at one or two places over Mymensingh and Sylhet divisions. Weather may remain mainly dry with temporary partly cloudy sky elsewhere over the country. The weather forecast valid for 24 hours commencing 9 am on Thursday.

Meanwhile, severe heat wave is sweeping over the districts of Rajshahi, Pabna, Bogura, Dinajpur, Nilphamari and Chuadanga and mild to moderate heat wave is sweeping elsewhere over the country and it may continue. Day and night temperature may remain nearly unchanged over the country. Outlook for next 72 hrs, BMD mentioned that temperature may fall. Rain or thundershowers activity may increase at the end period.