Rain with thunderstorm likely across 15 districts today

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has forecast thunderstorms and rain accompanied by gusty winds of 45–60 kilometres per hour over 15 districts of the country, prompting warnings for river ports.

In a weather bulletin issued for inland river ports from 8:30am to 6:00pm on Thursday (June 18), authorities said that river ports in 15 districts have been advised to hoist local cautionary signal No. 1 due to the possibility of adverse weather conditions.

The affected areas include Rangpur, Bogura, Tangail, Mymensingh, Dhaka, Faridpur, Madaripur, Khulna, Barishal, Patuakhali, Noakhali, Cumilla, Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar and Sylhet.

According to the forecast, many parts of Rangpur, Mymensingh, Dhaka, Barishal, Chattogram and Sylhet divisions are likely to experience light to moderate rain or thundershowers during the period. Some areas in Rajshahi and Khulna divisions may also see similar conditions.

The bulletin further warns that isolated parts of Rangpur, Mymensingh, Chattogram and Sylhet divisions could experience moderate to heavy rainfall in places.

Meanwhile, a mild heatwave is currently sweeping over Gopalganj, Rajshahi, Pabna and parts of Khulna division, and it may continue, the Met Office said.

In its outlook for the next 24 hours starting Thursday evening, the department said many areas in Rangpur, Dhaka, Mymensingh, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram and Sylhet are likely to experience light to moderate rain or thundershowers. Some places in Rajshahi division may also see rainfall activity, while isolated heavy showers remain possible nationwide.

Meteorologists said a trough of low pressure extends from West Bengal to the northwest Bay of Bengal, while the monsoon remains fairly active over Bangladesh. The maritime monsoon over the North Bay remains weak to moderate, contributing to the unstable weather pattern.