DHAKA: A monsoon low has formed over Northwest Bay and adjoining Bangladesh-Indian West Bengal coast.

Maritime ports of Chittagong, Cox's Bazar, Mongla and Payra have been advised to hoist local cautionary signal number three, said an official weather forecast on Saturday.

Under its influence steep pressure gradient lies over North Bay, squally weather may affect North Bay, adjoining coastal area of Bangladesh and the maritime ports, the forecast added.

Under the influence of monsoon low and full moon the low-lying areas of the coastal districts of Cox’s Bazar, Chittagong, Noakhali, Laxmipur, Feni, Chandpur, Barguna, Bhola, Patuakhali, Barisal, Pirojpur, Jhalokathi, Bagherhat, Khulna, Satkhira and their offshore islands and chars are likely to inundate by surge of one to two feet height above normal astronomical tide, the forecast message warned.

All fishing boats and trawlers over North Bay have been advised to come close to the coast and proceed with caution till further notice, it added.

BDST: 1750 HRS, AUG 09, 2014