Bangladesh’s Meteorological Department has warned that temporary gusty or squally winds of up to 60 kilometres per hour could sweep across 12 regions on Friday, accompanied by rain or thunderstorms.
The warning covers the period from 4.30am to 1pm on 4 September and applies specifically to the country’s inland river ports. Authorities have advised the relevant river ports to display local cautionary signal No. 1 as potentially strong winds and thunderstorms may affect conditions along waterways.
According to the forecast, Rajshahi, Rangpur, Bogra, Tangail, Mymensingh, Khulna, Barishal, Patuakhali, Noakhali, Cumilla, Chattogram and Cox’s Bazar could experience winds from the south or south-east at speeds ranging between 45 and 60km/h. The winds are expected to occur temporarily and may develop alongside rain or thunderstorms.
The combination of thunderstorms and sudden increases in wind speed can make conditions more challenging for vessels operating on inland waterways. River ports in the affected areas have therefore been placed under a precautionary warning for the forecast period.
The weather department has also issued a separate forecast for Dhaka and its neighbouring areas. From 7am for the following six hours, the capital and surrounding districts may experience cloudy to overcast skies, with rain and thunderstorms possible during the period.
Winds in Dhaka and nearby areas are expected to come from the south or south-east at around 10 to 15km/h. Although these winds are considerably weaker than those forecast for the 12 regions under the river-port warning, periods of rain and thunderstorms could still bring temporary changes in local weather conditions.
Friday’s forecast indicates that unsettled weather may affect several parts of the country during the morning. The possibility of thunderstorms is particularly relevant for people travelling by road or water, while river-port authorities and vessel operators in the affected regions have been urged to remain alert while the cautionary signal remains in place.
The latest warning covers only the specified period, from early morning until 1pm for the inland river ports. Weather conditions can change during the day, making subsequent forecasts and local warnings important for those travelling or working in areas affected by thunderstorms and strong winds.
