Pohela Boishakh marks the beginning of the 1433 Bengali calendar year, and it will commence following the end of the current day. The occasion is widely observed as a major cultural festival among Bengalis, with preparations taking place across both rural and urban areas. Traditional fairs, known as Boishakhi melas, are being organised in villages, while cities and towns are hosting a range of cultural programmes and festive events.
The lead-up to the Bengali New Year is also reflected in increased activity among artisans, particularly potters, as demand for traditional clay items rises ahead of the celebrations. Alongside public events, household-level preparations are also contributing to a festive atmosphere across the country.
Despite these arrangements, attention has also been drawn to the prevailing weather conditions, particularly concerns regarding heatwaves and the possibility of rainfall during the celebrations.
According to the Meteorological Department, a mild to moderate heatwave is currently affecting several regions of the country. On Monday (13 April), the heatwave was recorded across Dhaka, Tangail, Sirajganj, Pabna, Rajshahi, and Faridpur districts, as well as ten districts within the Khulna Division. The condition has been described as persistent in these areas.
On Saturday, the highest temperature in the country was recorded in Jessore at 38.2 degrees Celsius, as reported by the Meteorological Department. This reading reflects the ongoing elevated temperature trend observed in recent days.
Forecasts indicate that on Pohela Boishakh, skies across the country are expected to remain partly cloudy. However, widespread rainfall is not anticipated nationwide. The overall probability of significant rain remains low in most regions, although isolated or scattered showers cannot be ruled out in some areas.
Meteorologist Md. Tariful Nawaz Kabir has stated that the likelihood of rainfall in Dhaka is low, though there remains a possibility of isolated, scattered showers. He further noted that there is no strong indication of widespread rainfall across the country. However, Sylhet has a higher chance of receiving rain compared to other regions. Additionally, there is a slight possibility of rainfall in the Chattogram and Barishal divisions.
The Meteorological Department has further indicated that both daytime and nighttime temperatures may rise slightly on Pohela Boishakh. The existing heatwave conditions are also expected to continue during this period.
The following table summarises the weather outlook across key regions based on the available forecast information:
| Region / Division | Weather Condition | Rainfall Probability | Temperature Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dhaka | Partly cloudy | Low, isolated chance | Slight increase |
| Tangail | Heatwave conditions | Very low | Slight increase |
| Sirajganj | Heatwave conditions | Very low | Slight increase |
| Pabna | Heatwave conditions | Very low | Slight increase |
| Rajshahi | Mild to moderate heatwave | Low | Slight increase |
| Faridpur | Heatwave conditions | Low | Slight increase |
| Khulna Division | Heatwave persists | Low | Slight increase |
| Sylhet | Partly cloudy | Higher chance of rain | Stable to slight variation |
| Chattogram | Partly cloudy | Slight chance | Slight increase |
| Barishal | Partly cloudy | Slight chance | Slight increase |
Overall, the forecast suggests that Pohela Boishakh will be observed under partly cloudy skies in most parts of the country, with limited rainfall activity and continued elevated temperatures in several regions.