Storm, thunderstorm warnings issued for 18 regions tonight

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has forecast thunderstorms with gusty winds in 18 regions of the country tonight. The department has also asked river ports in these areas to hoist warning signals.

Meteorologist Md Tariful Newaz Kabir of the Bangladesh Meteorological Department issued the forecast for the country's inland river ports until 1:00 am on Sunday, July 5.

According to the forecast, temporary gusty or squally winds of 45-60 kilometres per hour, blowing from the west or north-west, may occur over Rajshahi, Bogura, Pabna, Dhaka, Tangail, Mymensingh, Faridpur, Madaripur, Jashore, Kushtia, Khulna, Barishal, Patuakhali, Noakhali, Cumilla, Chattogram, Cox's Bazar and Sylhet regions. Rain or thundershowers may also occur. River ports in these areas have been asked to hoist signal number one.

The morning forecast said light to moderate rain or thundershowers with temporary gusty winds and lightning may occur in most areas of Mymensingh, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram and Sylhet divisions, and in many areas of Rangpur, Rajshahi and Dhaka divisions until 9:00 am tomorrow. Moderately heavy to very heavy rainfall may also occur in some parts of Mymensingh, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram and Sylhet divisions.

A mild heatwave is sweeping over Rangpur division and Rajshahi, Pabna, Naogaon, Dhaka, Kishoreganj, Tangail, Mymensingh, Sylhet, Moulvibazar, Rangamati, Chandpur, Feni, Cox's Bazar and Chuadanga districts, and may subside. Day temperatures may drop by 1 to 3 degrees Celsius across the country, with night temperatures also dropping slightly.