Rain and thunderstorms are expected to continue across Bangladesh over the next five days as the south-westerly monsoon remains active over the country, with moderate to heavy rainfall possible in several areas, according to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department’s forecast issued on Thursday, 27 August.
The weather office said a low-pressure area that had been positioned over north-eastern Madhya Pradesh and adjoining areas moved north-westwards and merged with the monsoon trough. The development is contributing to an atmosphere favourable for rainfall over Bangladesh and surrounding areas.
The extended axis of the monsoon trough currently stretches from Rajasthan through Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Gangetic West Bengal before passing through southern Bangladesh and extending towards Assam. The monsoon is described as fairly active over Bangladesh, while its activity over the north Bay of Bengal remains moderate.
For the 24 hours from 9am on 27 August, rain or thundershowers are expected in many places across Rangpur, Rajshahi, Mymensingh, Chattogram and Sylhet divisions. Some parts of Dhaka, Khulna and Barishal divisions may also experience rain or thunderstorms accompanied by temporary gusty winds.
The weather office has warned that moderate heavy rainfall could occur in isolated parts of the country during this period. Daytime and night-time temperatures are expected to remain largely unchanged.
On 28 August, rainfall is likely to remain widespread in Rangpur, Mymensingh, Chattogram and Sylhet divisions. Some areas of Rajshahi, Dhaka, Khulna and Barishal may also receive rain or thundershowers. Isolated areas could experience moderate heavy rainfall, while temperatures are expected to show little overall change.
The likelihood of rain is forecast to increase in terms of geographical coverage on 29 August, when all eight administrative divisions may receive rainfall. Rangpur, Rajshahi, Dhaka, Mymensingh, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram and Sylhet could all see light to moderate rain or thundershowers, at times accompanied by temporary gusty winds. Some parts of the country may receive moderate to heavy rainfall. Temperatures could fall slightly during both the day and night.
Rainfall is expected to persist on 30 August across all eight divisions. Some locations may experience moderate to heavy showers, with temperatures again likely to decline slightly.
On 31 August, many areas of Rangpur, Rajshahi, Dhaka, Mymensingh, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram and Sylhet are expected to receive rain or thundershowers. Moderate to heavy rainfall may occur in isolated locations. Day and night temperatures, however, are forecast to remain almost unchanged.
The extended five-day outlook also indicates that the rainfall pattern is likely to continue beyond 31 August.
The forecast reflects the continuing influence of the seasonal monsoon system over Bangladesh. With rainfall expected across large parts of the country on several consecutive days, weather conditions may remain unsettled, with periods of rain interspersed with temporary gusty winds and thunderstorms. Areas receiving heavier showers may experience short-term disruption to normal activities and local travel.
For residents, commuters and people working outdoors, the forecast suggests that conditions could change quickly during the day, particularly in areas where thunderstorms are expected. The possibility of heavy rain also means that local weather conditions may vary considerably between neighbouring areas.
Overall, the Meteorological Department expects the rainy pattern to remain a feature of Bangladesh’s weather over the coming days, with 29 and 30 August standing out for the likelihood of rainfall across all eight divisions.
