The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has issued a weather warning forecasting Kalbaishakhi-type thunderstorms across at least 20 districts, including the capital Dhaka. The warning indicates that wind speeds may reach up to 60 kilometres per hour, accompanied by rain or thundershowers in affected areas. River ports across these regions have been advised to hoist Signal No. 1 as a precautionary measure.
The advisory, issued for river ports covering the period from 3:00 am to 1:00 pm on Saturday, states that temporary gusty or squally weather is likely to develop over different parts of the country. The wind direction is expected to be from the north or north-west, with speeds ranging between 45 and 60 kilometres per hour.
Affected Districts and Conditions
The districts included in the warning are Dhaka, Rangpur, Dinajpur, Rajshahi, Pabna, Bogura, Tangail, Mymensingh, Faridpur, Madaripur, Jessore, Kushtia, Khulna, Barishal, Patuakhali, Noakhali, Cumilla, Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar and Sylhet. These areas may experience brief spells of rain or thundershowers accompanied by strong winds.
River ports in all the listed districts have been instructed to display Signal No. 1, which is a precautionary maritime alert indicating that adverse weather conditions may affect river navigation. Under this signal, vessels are generally advised to exercise caution while operating.
| Area Category | Weather Condition | Wind Speed | Wind Direction | River Port Instruction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dhaka and central region | Rain or thundershowers with gusts | 45–60 km/h | North / North-west | Signal No. 1 |
| Northern districts (Rangpur, Rajshahi, Bogura, Dinajpur, Pabna) | Squally weather with rain | 45–60 km/h | North / North-west | Signal No. 1 |
| Southern coastal belt (Khulna, Barishal, Patuakhali, Cox’s Bazar, Chattogram, Noakhali) | Thunderstorms with gusty winds | 45–60 km/h | North / North-west | Signal No. 1 |
| Eastern region (Sylhet, Cumilla) | Temporary rain with gusts | 45–60 km/h | North / North-west | Signal No. 1 |
Forecast for Dhaka and Surrounding Areas
In its morning bulletin issued at 7:00 am, the Meteorological Department stated that the sky over Dhaka and surrounding areas is likely to remain partly cloudy to overcast until around 1:00 pm. The forecast also indicates a possibility of rain or thundershowers during this period.
Despite the likelihood of precipitation, a slight rise in daytime temperature has been indicated. At 6:00 am, the recorded temperature in the capital was 24.6 degrees Celsius. These conditions suggest a humid and unstable atmospheric pattern consistent with pre-monsoon convective activity.
For public reference, the department also provided routine astronomical timings: sunset in Dhaka is expected at 6:28 pm on Saturday, while sunrise on Sunday is forecast at 5:23 am.
The Meteorological Department has advised continued caution, particularly for river transport operators, due to the possibility of sudden wind gusts and reduced visibility during thunderstorms. Authorities have emphasised that weather conditions may change rapidly during Kalbaishakhi events, requiring continuous monitoring of updated forecasts.