Heavy rain, thunderstorms likely across country over next 24 hours

The country is likely to experience widespread rain and thunderstorms over the next 24 hours, with moderate heavy rainfall expected in parts of the country, the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) said on Saturday (August 1).

In its weather forecast valid from 9:00am, the Met Office said Rangpur, Mymensingh and Sylhet divisions are expected to see rain or thundershowers at many places, while Rajshahi, Dhaka, Khulna, Barishal and Chattogram divisions may experience rainfall at scattered locations.

The forecast also warns of temporary gusty or squally winds accompanying the showers and the possibility of moderately heavy rainfall in some areas.

The BMD said both daytime and nighttime temperatures are expected to remain nearly unchanged across the country during the forecast period.

Meteorologists attributed the weather conditions to a well-marked low-pressure system that had formed over Madhya Pradesh and adjoining areas before moving west-northwest and weakening into a low-pressure area over Rajasthan and nearby regions, where it has since merged with the monsoon trough.

The monsoon axis currently extends from Rajasthan through Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Gangetic West Bengal and southern Bangladesh to Assam.

According to the Met Office, the southwest monsoon remains fairly active over Bangladesh, while moderate monsoon conditions over the North Bay of Bengal continue to provide favourable conditions for widespread rainfall.

The weather office advised people to remain cautious during thunderstorms and avoid staying in open areas unless necessary because of the risk of lightning strikes and strong gusty winds.