Dhaka, June 17 -- Amid the scorching heat, the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall and directed the country's four seaports - Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Mongla, and Payra - to hoist local cautionary signal No. 3.

In an alert issued on Tuesday, the forecasters said active monsoon conditions are causing the formation of thunderclouds over the northern Bay of Bengal, with a steep pressure gradient prevailing in the region.

As a result, heavy to very heavy downpours accompanied by gusty or squally winds are expected to sweep over the northern Bay, adjacent coastal areas, and the maritime ports.

Meanwhile, all fishing boats and trawlers operating in the northern Bay have been advised to stay c...