Tropical Cyclone Sitrang developed over the northern Bay of Bengal on Sunday. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Tropical Cyclone Sitrang was located at latitude 18.3°N and longitude 89.4°E which put it about 360 miles (580 km) south-southwest of Chittagong, Bangladesh. Sitrang was moving toward the north-northeast at 13 m.p.h. (20 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 40 m.p.h. (65 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 1000 mb.

The circulation around a low pressure system over the northern Bay of Bengal strengthened on Sunday and the India Meteorological Department designated the system as Tropical Cyclone Sitrang. The distribution of thunderstorms around Sitrang was asymmetrical. Thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the northern side of Tropical Cyclone Sitrang. Bands near the center of Sitrang’s circulation and in the southern half of the tropical cyclone consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. Tropical Cyclone Sitrang was moving under the western end of an upper level ridge over Southeast Asia and the Bay of Bengal. The ridge was producing southerly winds that were blowing toward the top of Sitrang’s circulation. Those winds were causing moderate vertical wind shear and they were also causing the asymmetrical distribution of thunderstorms. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 60 miles in the eastern side of Tropical Cyclone Sitrang. The winds in the western half of Sitrang were blowing at less than tropical storm force.

Tropical Cyclone Sitrang will move through an environment somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 18 hours. Sitrang will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30˚C. However, the upper level ridge over Southeast Asia and the Bay of Bengal will continue to cause moderate vertical wind shear. The wind shear will inhibit intensification. Tropical Cyclone Sitrang could strengthen during the next 18 hours before it makes landfall in Bangladesh.

Tropical Cyclone Sitrang will move around the western end of a high pressure system over Southeast Asia. The high pressure system will steer Sitrang toward the north-northeast during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track Tropical Cyclone Sitrang will reach Bangladesh in less than 24 hours. Sitrang will bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to Bangladesh. Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations. Tropical Cyclone Sitrang could cause a storm surge of five feet (1.5 meters) along the coast of Bangladesh.