Deep Depression in Bay of Bengal: Heavy rain and squalls expected along coastal Myanmar

A weather system over the northwest Bay of Bengal has intensified into a Deep Depression, according to observations at 12:30 PM on Thursday.

The system is currently positioned approximately at 250 nautical miles west-northwest of Sittwe (Myanmar), 35 nautical miles southeast of Sagar Island and 60 nautical miles east-southeast of Digha (India), and 105 nautical miles west-southwest of Khepupara (Bangladesh).

The central pressure is estimated at 988 hPa with sustained wind speeds near the center reaching 35 mph. The system, which is currently coded as a Yellow Stage alert, is not expected to make landfall along the Myanmar coast at this stage.

Due to the influence of the Deep Depression, widespread to fairly widespread rain and thunderstorms are expected across multiple regions of Myanmar, including Nay Pyi Taw, Yangon, Mandalay, Bago, Magway, Sagaing, Ayeyarwady, and Taninthayi Regions, Kachin, Kayah, Kayin, Chin, Mon, Rakhine, and Shan States. There is a heightened risk of regionally heavy to isolated very heavy rainfall, particularly from this afternoon through June 2.

Frequent squalls with very rough seas are expected at Deltaic and Rakhine Coasts. Wind speeds during squalls may reach 40–45 mph, with wave heights of 14–16 feet. In the Gulf of Mottama and Mon-Taninthayi Coasts, occasional squalls with rough to very rough seas are forecast.

Winds may reach 35–40 mph, and waves could rise to 10–14 feet. Authorities urge the public, particularly those in coastal and hilly areas, to be alert for potential natural hazards, including heavy rainfall, strong winds, thunderstorms, lightning, hail, flash floods and landslides, especially in mountainous regions and near rivers and disruption to inland water transport and domestic flights. Residents are advised to closely monitor updates from official meteorological sources and follow any instructions from local authorities regarding evacuation or safety precautions.