Kalbaishakhi Storms Continue to Batter Bangladesh

Bangladesh is expected to experience further spells of Kalbaishakhi thunderstorms over the next two to three days, with forecasts warning of gusty winds, hail, and scattered rainfall across multiple regions of the country.

The warning comes after several districts, including the capital Dhaka, were already hit by sudden hailstorms that caused disruption to daily life, damage to infrastructure, and significant losses to agriculture.

Meteorological outlook

According to meteorologist Dr Md Omar Faruq of the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, thunderstorm activity is likely to continue affecting six major divisions—Dhaka, Chattogram, Mymensingh, Khulna, Barishal, and Sylhet. Isolated areas in Rajshahi and Rangpur divisions may also experience brief spells of rain accompanied by strong winds.

He noted that the unstable weather pattern is expected to persist for around 48 to 72 hours, with some areas at risk of sporadic hailstorms capable of causing damage to crops, rooftops, and rural infrastructure.

Regional forecast overview

Atmospheric conditions behind the storms

Meteorologists attribute the current instability to a trough of low pressure extending over West Bengal and adjoining areas, combined with an active seasonal low over the southern Bay of Bengal. The interaction between these systems is enhancing convective activity across Bangladesh.

In Dhaka, wind speeds have been recorded at around 8–12 kilometres per hour, primarily from the south and south-west. Humidity levels were reported at approximately 46 per cent, indicating relatively dry yet unstable atmospheric conditions that are conducive to sudden storm formation.

Temperature variations also remain notable. The lowest temperature was recorded in Sylhet at 18.5°C, while Rajshahi experienced a high of 35.2°C, reflecting the ongoing transition between late dry-season conditions and the approaching pre-monsoon phase.

Recent storm impacts

On Tuesday, several districts including Koyra in Khulna, Satkhira, Chapainawabganj, and Dinajpur experienced intense hailstorms and sudden rainfall.

Koyra alone recorded approximately 52 millimetres of rainfall, one of the highest single-day totals in the region during this weather spell.

The hailstorms caused widespread disruption in rural communities. Thousands of homes were reportedly damaged, particularly those with tin roofing, which suffered punctures and structural damage. Agricultural losses were also significant, with farmers in Chapainawabganj reporting damage to mango and litchi orchards at a critical stage of development.

Local administrations and disaster management authorities are currently assessing the extent of the damage, especially in vulnerable rural areas where housing structures are less resilient to severe weather events.

Seasonal weather pattern

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department explained that Kalbaishakhi storms are a normal feature of the pre-monsoon season, typically occurring between March and May. However, officials noted that the recent intensity and unpredictability of these storms highlight the need for heightened preparedness.

The combination of warm continental air and moisture influx from the Bay of Bengal is creating highly unstable atmospheric conditions, increasing the likelihood of sudden and severe convective storms.

Public advisory and outlook

Authorities have urged residents, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas, to take precautionary measures during thunderstorm alerts. These include securing lightweight structures, avoiding open fields during storms, and staying updated through official weather bulletins.

The forecast suggests that while unstable conditions will persist for the next few days, weather activity is expected to gradually ease thereafter. Nevertheless, officials continue to monitor the situation closely amid concerns over further localised hailstorms and wind damage.