Photo: BSS

PATUAKHALI, Aug 18, 2026 (BSS) - Rain continued in Patuakhali today as a monsoon depression over the southwestern part of Bangladesh-West Bengal coast and adjoining northwest Bay of Bengal moved west-northwestwards and now lies over Jharkhand and adjoining areas.

The depression is likely to move further west-northwestwards and weaken gradually, according to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD).

"Under the influence of the monsoon depression, rainfall and gusty winds are continuing in coastal areas," Patuakhali Meteorological Office Officer-in-Charge Mahbuba Sukhi told BSS this afternoon.

She said fishing trawlers had been advised to navigate carefully near the coast as the Bay of Bengal remained rough.

Gusty or squally winds of 45-60 kilometres per hour may sweep over 13 regions, including Dhaka, Barisal, Patuakhali, Khulna, Cox's Bazar and Chattogram. River ports in these areas have been advised to hoist warning signal No. 1.

Sea and river vessels have also been advised to proceed with caution and follow instructions from the authorities concerned.

Patuakhali has experienced intermittent moderate to heavy rainfall for the past three days. The continuous rain has disrupted normal life and daily activities, with day labourers among those worst affected.

Meanwhile, the sea near Kuakata has remained rough, with large waves crashing onto the shore amid the possibility of strong winds in coastal areas.

The BMD has advised the maritime ports of Payra, Chattogram, Cox's Bazar and Mongla to hoist local cautionary signal No. 3.

The day and night temperatures may remain nearly unchanged across the country. Rainfall activity is likely to continue over the next five days, the Met office added.