Cyclone Murasu forms in the Bay of Bengal, ports hoist signal No. 2; more cyclones feared in November, cold waves forecast for December-January

Cyclone 'Murasu' has formed in the Bay of Bengal. A deep depression over the southeast Bay and adjoining areas turned into a cyclone on Sunday afternoon (November 1). The Bangladesh Meteorological Department says it may move further west-northwest and strengthen.

According to the Met Department, the maximum sustained wind speed within 54 kilometres of the cyclone's centre is 62 kilometres per hour. Gusts are reaching up to 88 kilometres per hour, and the sea has turned rough under the cyclone's influence.

In this situation, the maritime ports of Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Mongla and Payra have been advised to hoist distant warning signal No. 2, replacing distant cautionary signal No. 1.

The Met Department has advised fishing boats and trawlers in the north Bay of Bengal to stay close to the coast and move with caution until further notice.

According to the India Meteorological Department's forecast, Cyclone Murasu may move further west-northwest and become a severe cyclone on Monday. It could strike the south coast of India's Andhra Pradesh between midnight on Tuesday and early Wednesday, with the likely landfall area between Nellore and Narsapur.

Meanwhile, in its long-range forecast published on Sunday, the Bangladesh Meteorological Department said two to three low-pressure systems could form in the Bay of Bengal this November, of which one or two could turn into cyclones.

The forecast says rainfall in November could be below normal across the country. Day and night temperatures will gradually fall during the month, though overall they may remain slightly above normal.

From the middle of the month, the feeling of winter may increase in different parts of the country. Light to moderate fog may occur from late night to morning in river basins and various areas, though the country's main rivers are likely to maintain their normal flow.

According to the Met Department, eight to ten mild to moderate cold waves could sweep over the country in the three months from November to January.

Of these, two to three cold waves in the northwest, northeast and central regions could become severe, the forecast says.

Over the next three months, two to five low-pressure systems could form in the Bay of Bengal, of which one or two could develop into a depression or a cyclone. Overall, rainfall during this period could be normal.