Thunderstorms and Hail Forecasted Across Seven Divisions

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has issued a weather forecast predicting thunderstorms and rain across seven administrative divisions over the next 24 hours. According to the bulletin released at 9:00 AM on Saturday, atmospheric instability is expected to trigger gusty winds, lightning, and isolated hail in various parts of the country.

Synoptic Meteorological Situation

The current weather pattern is driven by a sub-seasonal low-pressure system. A trough of low pressure—a linear extension of a low-pressure area—is currently positioned over West Bengal and its adjoining regions. Simultaneously, the seasonal low-pressure system remains situated over the South Bay of Bengal. This interaction between the land-based trough and the maritime low is channelling moisture into the atmosphere, creating conditions conducive to convective activity.

Regional Weather Forecast

The BMD has categorised the probability and distribution of rainfall across the country as follows:

• Moderate Probability: Rain or thunderstorms accompanied by temporary gusty winds are expected in several parts of the Rangpur, Mymensingh, and Sylhet divisions.

• Isolated Occurrences: Scattered rain or thunder-showers are likely to occur in one or two locations within the Rajshahi, Dhaka, Khulna, and Chattogram divisions.

• Hail Warning: There is a specific forecast for sporadic hail in certain areas during these convective storms.

• Dry Conditions: The Barishal division and other remaining parts of the country are expected to experience mainly dry weather with temporary partly cloudy skies.

Temperature and Recorded Observations

While some regions prepare for rain, other parts of the country have been experiencing high temperatures. Over the preceding 24 hours, the highest temperature in the country was recorded at 36.8°C in both Rajshahi and Ishwardi (Pabna).

Regarding precipitation, the rainfall remained light and localised during the last 24-hour cycle. The table below outlines the specific data recorded by the BMD:

Atmospheric Impact

The forecast indicates that the maximum (day) temperature may decrease slightly across the country due to increased cloud cover and precipitation. However, the minimum (night) temperature is expected to remain stable.

The presence of “thunder-showers” and “gusty winds” at this time of year is characteristic of the pre-monsoon season in the Bengal Basin. These storms often develop rapidly in the afternoon or evening as a result of surface heating and moisture convergence. The BMD continues to monitor the low-pressure extension over West Bengal, as its movement significantly influences the intensity of rainfall in the northern and central regions of Bangladesh.

Residents in the forecasted areas are advised to remain cautious of lightning strikes and potential crop damage from isolated hail. Although the rainfall recorded in the past 24 hours was minimal (1 mm), the anticipated increase in moisture may lead to more substantial totals in the Rangpur and Sylhet regions.