Bangladesh Braces for Thunderstorms Amid Intense Heatwave

Amid a persistent heatwave gripping much of Bangladesh, the Meteorological Department has forecast the possibility of thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds and rainfall in parts of the country later tonight, offering brief respite from the sweltering conditions.

On Monday (13 April), officials confirmed that two districts may experience thunderstorms with wind speeds reaching up to 60 kilometres per hour. The warning comes as temperatures continue to soar across several regions, with the mercury climbing to 37°C in some areas on the last day of Chaitra, leaving daily life severely disrupted by oppressive heat.

According to Assistant Meteorologist Afroz Sultana, a mild to moderate heatwave is currently affecting several divisions, including Dhaka, Tangail, Rajshahi, Pabna, Sirajganj, and parts of Khulna division. She noted that while most areas will remain hot and dry, isolated locations in Dhaka division—such as Gopalganj and Nikli in Kishoreganj—may experience scattered rainfall.

Temperature Classification Explained

The Meteorological Department classifies heat conditions as follows:

Weather Systems in Play

Meteorologists have attributed the current conditions to a trough of low pressure stretching over West Bengal and adjoining areas, while the seasonal normal low pressure remains positioned over the southern Bay of Bengal.

Under its influence, the weather is expected to remain largely dry across most parts of the country on Tuesday, although isolated areas in Chattogram, Barishal, and Sylhet divisions may experience temporary gusty winds accompanied by rainfall. Elsewhere, skies are likely to remain partly cloudy with predominantly dry conditions.

Officials also indicated that both daytime and night-time temperatures may rise slightly in the coming days, meaning the ongoing heatwave could persist before any widespread relief arrives.

Current Weather Observations

In Dhaka, winds were recorded blowing from the south and south-west at speeds of 10–15 kilometres per hour. Morning humidity stood at 59 percent, contributing to a high discomfort level.

By 9:00am on Monday, the capital recorded a maximum temperature of 36.2°C. Elsewhere across the country, the lowest temperature was reported at 19°C in Rajarhat, Rangpur, while Rajshahi recorded the highest temperature of 37.5°C.

Rainfall activity remained limited, although Sylhet recorded the highest amount of precipitation in the country at 6 millimetres.

Outlook

While the possibility of thunderstorms later in the night may bring temporary relief to some districts, meteorologists caution that the overall heatwave conditions are likely to continue in many parts of Bangladesh. Residents have been advised to take precautions against heat-related illnesses, particularly during peak daytime hours, as the country awaits more sustained rainfall activity in the coming days.