Thundershowers likely to lash 13 districts by this noon

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has forecast of squally weather with gusty winds up to 60 kilometres per hour across 13 districts by Monday afternoon, urging heightened caution for river and coastal vessel movement.

The BMD said thunderstorms accompanied by rain are likely to sweep through several parts of the country before noon, with wind speeds peaking at 60 kilometres per hour in isolated pockets.

The met office, in a bulletin issued for the country's river ports covering the period from 5:00am to 1:00pm on Monday (August 17), said the affected zones include Rajshahi, Pabna, Dhaka, Faridpur, Jessore, Kushtia, Khulna, Barishal, Patuakhali, Noakhali, Cumilla, Chattogram and Cox's Bazar.

The BMD said gusty or squally winds blowing from the south or southeast at speeds of 45 to 60 kilometres per hour may temporarily sweep through these regions, at times accompanied by rain or thunderstorms.

The weather office has advised all river ports in the affected areas to hoist local warning signal No. 1, and has urged extra caution for vessels navigating inland waterways during the period.

It further said rain is likely to continue in various parts of the country, with pockets in the southern and central regions particularly prone to sudden gusts and thunder showers.

Vessel operators have been advised to remain alert and seek shelter at safe locations during the squally spells, while people have been urged to avoid open fields and other vulnerable spots during lightning strikes.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has asked river ports and vessel operators in the affected areas to stay tuned for further advisories as the weather situation develops.