A fresh low-pressure system may form over the Bay of Bengal, while several parts of Bangladesh are expected to experience rain and thunderstorms, according to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department. At the same time, a mild heatwave is continuing across five districts, although rainfall could ease the heatwave conditions.
The latest forecast was issued for the period from 5am to 1pm on Thursday (17 September).
According to the forecast, temporary squally winds accompanied by thunderstorms may affect Rangpur, Bogura, Tangail, Mymensingh and Sylhet. Winds from the south-eastern direction could reach speeds of 45 to 60 kilometres per hour in these areas.
In response to the possibility of strong winds and thunderstorms, river ports in the affected areas have been advised to display warning signal No. 1, which indicates the need for caution among vessels and people operating on or near waterways.
The weather office had also highlighted the possibility of unsettled weather in its five-day forecast issued from 6pm on Wednesday. Rain or thunderstorms accompanied by temporary gusty winds are expected in many areas of the Rangpur, Mymensingh and Sylhet divisions.
Some parts of Rajshahi, Dhaka, Khulna, Barishal and Chattogram divisions may also receive light to moderate rain or thunderstorms. In isolated areas, the rainfall could become moderately heavy.
The developing weather pattern comes as mild heatwave conditions persist in five districts: Dhaka, Faridpur, Rangpur, Jashore and Khulna. Rainfall in these areas could bring temporary relief by lowering temperatures and reducing the intensity of the heatwave.
The Meteorological Department has forecast only modest fluctuations in temperatures during the next five days. On the first day, both daytime and night-time temperatures may fall slightly across the country. Temperatures are expected to remain largely unchanged on the second day.
A slight rise in both daytime and night-time temperatures is possible on the third day. On the fourth day, daytime temperatures are expected to remain nearly unchanged, while night-time temperatures may fall slightly. On the fifth day, daytime temperatures could decline marginally, with night-time temperatures remaining almost unchanged.
The possibility of thunderstorms and squally winds means conditions may change quickly in some areas. People travelling by river, particularly those using smaller vessels, may need to remain alert when storms develop.
The forecast suggests that rainfall will remain a feature of the weather across several regions in the coming days, while the heatwave affecting parts of the country may ease temporarily where rain occurs.
For the extended five-day period, the weather office said no significant change is expected. This indicates that the prevailing pattern of intermittent rain, thunderstorms and relatively limited temperature fluctuations is likely to continue in the short term.
