Thunderstorms with gusty winds up to 60kmph likely across 11 regions

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has forecast thunderstorms and gusty winds across several parts of the country, warning that wind speeds could reach up to 60 kilometres per hour in at least 11 regions by Thursday afternoon.

In a special weather bulletin issued for inland river ports, the Met Office said Rangpur, Dinajpur, Mymensingh, Khulna, Barishal, Patuakhali, Noakhali, Cumilla, Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar and Sylhet may experience temporary squalls accompanied by rain or thundershowers. Winds are expected to blow from the south or southeast at speeds ranging between 45 and 60 km/h.

In view of the forecast, river ports in the affected regions have been advised to hoist Local Cautionary Signal No. 1.

The weather agency also indicated that unsettled conditions are likely to persist through the day. By 6:00pm, many areas of Mymensingh and Sylhet divisions and parts of Rangpur, Rajshahi, Khulna, Barishal, Dhaka and Chattogram divisions could witness light to moderate rainfall or thunderstorms accompanied by temporary gusty winds.

Meteorologists have further warned of moderately heavy to heavy rainfall at isolated locations, raising the possibility of localized waterlogging in low-lying areas.

Despite the increased likelihood of rain, the Met Office said daytime and nighttime temperatures are expected to remain largely unchanged across the country.