Rain, Thunderstorms Likely Across 16 Regions Today

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has forecast rain and thunderstorms accompanied by temporary gusty or squally winds in at least 16 regions, including Dhaka, as active monsoon conditions continue across the country.

The weather office has also warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall in parts of all eight divisions, raising the risk of temporary waterlogging in Dhaka and Chattogram metropolitan areas and landslides in the hilly districts of Chattogram Division.

According to the inland river ports forecast for the period from 5:00am to 1:00pm on Saturday, the affected regions include Rangpur, Dinajpur, Tangail, Mymensingh, Dhaka, Faridpur, Kushtia, Jashore, Khulna, Barishal, Patuakhali, Noakhali, Cumilla, Chattogram, Cox's Bazar and Sylhet.

These areas may experience rain or thundershowers with temporary gusty or squally winds blowing from the south or southeast at speeds of 45-60 km/h. Inland river ports in the affected regions have been advised to hoist Local Cautionary Signal No. 1.

In a separate heavy rainfall warning, the BMD said parts of Rangpur, Rajshahi, Mymensingh, Dhaka, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram and Sylhet divisions may receive heavy rainfall of 44-88 mm or very heavy rainfall exceeding 88 mm during the 24-hour period beginning at 10:00am on Friday.

The department warned that intense rainfall could trigger temporary waterlogging in parts of Dhaka and Chattogram metropolitan areas, while the risk of landslides remains high in some hilly areas of Chattogram Division.

According to the latest synoptic situation, the well-marked low-pressure system over northwest Madhya Pradesh and adjoining areas in India has weakened into a low-pressure area over central Uttar Pradesh and neighbouring regions and is expected to weaken further.

However, a steep pressure gradient persists over the north Bay of Bengal and adjoining areas, which may generate squally weather over the maritime ports, the north Bay and Bangladesh's coastal areas.

As a result, the maritime ports of Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Mongla and Payra have been advised to continue displaying Local Cautionary Signal No. 3.

The BMD has also advised all fishing boats and trawlers operating in the north Bay of Bengal to remain close to the coast and proceed with caution until further notice.