The deep depression over the Bay of Bengal will turn into a cyclonic storm if the weather system intensifies further, according to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD).

“Then, it will be named Midhili. The Maldives has given this name,” meteorologist Muhammad Abul Kalam Mallik told the Daily Sun on Thursday.

“The deep depression is approaching the Bangladesh coast and is likely to turn into a cyclonic storm,” he added.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has also issued a warning about the development of Cyclone Midhili over the Bay of Bengal.

As of 5:30am (IST) on Thursday, the deep depression is moving north-northeastwards at a speed of 18km per hour. The forecast predicts further intensification as it approaches the Bangladesh coast, with an expected landfall between Mongla and Khepupara on 18 November morning.

Meanwhile, maritime ports of Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla, and Payra have been advised to keep local cautionary signal 3 hoisted.

The weather system which moved northeastwards was centred at 6am about 785km southwest of Chattogram port, 745km southwest of Cox’s Bazar port, 655km southwest of Mongla port, and 655km southwest of Payra port, the BMD said in its special bulletin.

Under its influence, deep convection is taking place over the north Bay. Squally weather may affect the maritime ports, north Bay and adjoining coastal areas of Bangladesh.

The maximum sustained wind speed within 48km of the deep depression centre is about 50km per hour rising to 60km per hour in gusts. The sea will remain moderate near the deep depression centre.

All fishing boats and trawlers over the north Bay and deep sea have been advised to remain close to the coast and proceed with caution till further notice. They have also been advised not to venture into the deep sea.

Meteorologist Mallik said the sky remains cloudy due to the influence of the deep depression. Alongside the maritime ports, the Met office also issued signal 2 for the river ports, including Khulna, Barishal, Patuakhali, and Noakhali, he added.