Heavy rainfall likely in six divisions

Heavy rainfall is likely in parts of six divisions over the next 24 hours as a low-pressure area over the northwestern Bay of Bengal is expected to intensify further, the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) said on Friday (July 3).

The forecast, issued at 9:00am by meteorologist Md. Abdul Hamid Mia, said the low-pressure system currently lies over the northwestern Bay of Bengal and adjoining North Odisha-West Bengal coast. It is likely to remain in the same area while strengthening further.

The BMD said the southwest monsoon remains fairly active over Bangladesh and is moderate to strong over the northern Bay of Bengal, creating favorable conditions for widespread rainfall across the country.

Under its influence, many places in Chattogram and Sylhet divisions, along with several areas in Rangpur, Rajshahi, Dhaka, Mymensingh, Khulna, and Barishal divisions, are expected to experience light to moderate rain or thundershowers accompanied by temporary gusty winds.

The weather office also forecast moderately heavy to heavy rainfall at isolated places in Rangpur, Mymensingh, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram, and Sylhet divisions, raising the possibility of localized waterlogging in low-lying areas.

Daytime temperatures may rise slightly across the country during the next 24 hours, while night temperatures are expected to remain nearly unchanged, according to the forecast.

Weather data from the past 24 hours showed that Sylhet recorded the country's highest rainfall at 72 millimetres, while Chuadanga registered the highest temperature at 36.5 degrees Celsius. The lowest temperature was recorded in Nikli, Kishoreganj, at 23.5 degrees Celsius.