Relief in Dhaka as rain follows days of heatwave

After a prolonged heatwave, some areas of the capital finally received rainfall on Sunday afternoon, April 26, bringing relief to residents. From around 4:15 pm, light to drizzling rain began in several parts of Old Dhaka, including Sutrapur, Bangshal and Matuail, though it has yet to spread across the entire city.

Earlier in the day, the sky had remained cloudy from morning. There were a few sporadic drops around noon, but they did not last. The rain that began in the afternoon brought respite by lowering the temperature slightly.

The meteorological department said the extension of a low-pressure system stretches from West Bengal to the northern Bay of Bengal, creating a chance of rainfall in various parts of the country.

In the forecast for the next 24 hours, it said Rangpur, Mymensingh and Sylhet divisions may see temporary rain with gusty winds and thunderstorms in some places, while one or two spots in Rajshahi, Dhaka, Khulna, Barishal and Chattogram divisions may also see similar weather. Moderate to very heavy rainfall is also possible in some areas of the northern region.

Day temperatures may drop by 1-2 degrees Celsius in Rangpur, Rajshahi, Dhaka, Mymensingh and Sylhet divisions, and decrease slightly in other parts of the country. Night temperatures may also drop.

The mild heatwave sweeping over Dhaka, Madaripur, Rajshahi, Pabna, Patuakhali, Rangamati, Chandpur, Lakshmipur, Bandarban and Fen, as well as Khulna division, may subside in some areas, the department said.

Meanwhile, heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely in some parts of Rangpur, Mymensingh and Sylhet divisions over the next 96 hours, which may cause temporary waterlogging.