Severe Rainfall Alert Issued for Six Divisions as Flood Risk Rises

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has issued a severe weather warning, predicting heavy to very heavy rainfall across six administrative divisions, including the capital city, Dhaka. Meteorologists have warned that the current active spell of monsoon downpours, accompanied by frequent thunder-showers, is highly likely to persist across the vast majority of the country over the coming days, escalating the risk of flash floods in vulnerable low-lying regions.

An official weather bulletin released on Saturday, 11 July, and signed by senior meteorologist Dr Mohammad Omar Faruq, outlines a comprehensive multi-day forecast indicating relentless precipitation. According to the meteorological assessment, unstable atmospheric conditions will trigger widespread rain across the country.

Multi-Day Precipitation Forecast

For the period lasting until Sunday evening, 12 July, light to moderate rain or thunder-showers, accompanied by temporary gusty winds, are anticipated across most parts of the Rangpur, Rajshahi, Mymensingh, Dhaka, Khulna, Barisal, Chittagong, and Sylhet divisions. However, the intensity of the monsoon will be most pronounced in specific regions. Torrential downpours categorized as heavy to very heavy are predicted in isolated pockets of the Rangpur, Rajshahi, Mymensingh, Dhaka, Chittagong, and Sylhet divisions. During this initial phase, both diurnal and nocturnal temperatures are expected to remain stable across the country.

The weather patterns are projected to remain largely unchanged into the following 24-hour cycle, spanning from Sunday evening until Monday, 13 July. The meteorological office highlighted that the risk of extreme precipitation during this window will remain concentrated over the northern and north-eastern belts, with Rangpur, Mymensingh, Chittagong, and Sylhet braced for continued severe rainfall.

A slight shifting of the monsoon axis is predicted from Monday evening, 13 July. Over the subsequent 24 hours, rainfall will encompass most districts within the Rangpur, Rajshahi, Mymensingh, Dhaka, Khulna, and Sylhet divisions, whilst many areas in the coastal Chittagong and Barisal divisions will experience scattered showers. Crucially, the threat of medium-heavy to very heavy downpours will pivot towards the western and northern sectors, specifically targeting parts of the Rangpur, Rajshahi, Mymensingh, and Khulna divisions.

Extended Forecast and Outlook

By mid-week, from Tuesday evening, 14 July, onwards, the intensity of the rainfall may experience a marginal reduction, though it will remain widespread. Predictions indicate that many places across all eight divisions will continue to witness light to moderate thunder-showers. Pockets of moderately heavy to heavy rain remain a distinct possibility. Whilst night-time temperatures will hold steady, day temperatures may register a minor increase.

The trend of unsettled weather shows little sign of abating. From Wednesday evening, 15 July, and over the following 24 hours, thunder-showers will continue to alter daily life across various parts of the country, maintaining the threat of localized waterlogging. Day and night temperatures are slated to remain unchanged during this period. The Bangladesh Meteorological Department concluded its extended outlook by noting that even beyond the next five days, the country is expected to remain firmly under the influence of active monsoon currents, meaning the risk of prolonged inundation and rising river levels will require close monitoring by disaster management authorities.