Photo: BSS

COX'S BAZAR, June 8, 2026 (BSS) - Although the Bengali month of Ashar has yet to begin, the southwest monsoon has officially entered Bangladesh through the Cox's Bazar coast, marking the start of the rainy season in the region, according to the local met office.

Assistant Meteorologist Md Abdul Hannan of Cox's Bazar Meteorological Office said the southwest monsoon has already reached the country through the coastal district. 

He said that Cox's Bazar recorded 62 millimetres of rainfall during the 24-hour period ending on Sunday (June 7).

"The monsoon season has effectively begun, and rainfall activity is expected to continue, with varying intensity, over the next six to seven days," Hannan said. Heavy rainfall was also reported across Cox's Bazar today.

In a weather warning issued on Sunday and signed by meteorologist A.K.M. Nazmul Haque, the Bangladesh Meteorological Department said deep convective cloud formations were developing over the northern Bay of Bengal and adjoining areas. 

As a result, squally weather may affect the northern Bay, nearby coastal regions, and maritime ports.

Authorities have advised the maritime ports of Cox's Bazar, Chattogram, Mongla and Payra to continue displaying local warning signal no-3. Fishing boats and trawlers operating in the northern Bay of Bengal have also been urged to remain close to the coast and exercise caution until further notice.

A visit to Cox's Bazar Sea Beach found rough sea conditions at the Laboni, Sugandha and Kolatoli points. Tidal waters were flowing several feet above normal levels. Despite the adverse weather, many tourists were seen entering the sea for bathing.

To ensure public safety, lifeguards have been using loudspeakers to warn visitors and advising them to remain in knee-deep water only.

Saifullah Sifat, supervisor of Sea Safe Lifeguard Services, said the sea has become increasingly rough with the onset of the monsoon, while local warning signal no- 3 remains in effect.

"We are continuously warning tourists at three key beach points. Red flags have been hoisted in hazardous zones, and our lifeguard teams are on high alert," he said.