The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has forecast the likelihood of nor’wester-type squally weather affecting seven regions of the country by late night, with wind speeds reaching up to 60 kilometres per hour, accompanied by thunderstorms and rainfall. River ports in the affected areas have been advised to hoist Local Warning Signal No. 1.
The forecast was issued on Friday (8 May) in a bulletin for inland river ports, signed by meteorologist A K M Nazmul Haque. According to the bulletin, the weather conditions are expected to develop by 1:00 am on Friday night.
It states that temporary gusty or squally winds, blowing from the west or north-west, may sweep across Rajshahi, Pabna, Jessore, Kushtia, Mymensingh, Patuakhali, and Sylhet regions. These winds may be accompanied by thunderstorms and rain in isolated places, with wind speeds ranging between 45 and 60 kilometres per hour.
Affected Areas and Forecast Summary
| Region | Expected Time Frame | Wind Speed (km/h) | Weather Condition | River Port Signal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rajshahi | By 1:00 am | 45–60 | Squally wind with thunderstorms/rain | No. 1 |
| Pabna | By 1:00 am | 45–60 | Gusty wind with rain/thunder | No. 1 |
| Jessore | By 1:00 am | 45–60 | Thunderstorms with rain | No. 1 |
| Kushtia | By 1:00 am | 45–60 | Squally wind and rainfall | No. 1 |
| Mymensingh | By 1:00 am | 45–60 | Thunderstorms and rain | No. 1 |
| Patuakhali | By 1:00 am | 45–60 | Gusty wind with rain | No. 1 |
| Sylhet | By 1:00 am | 45–60 | Thunderstorms and rainfall | No. 1 |
In its broader synoptic outlook, the meteorological department noted that an extension of a low-pressure area is currently situated over the northern Bay of Bengal. This system is influencing weather conditions across parts of the country.
As a result, between 9:00 am and the following five-day period (120 hours), scattered locations in the Rangpur, Rajshahi, Dhaka, Mymensingh, Khulna, and Sylhet divisions may experience temporary gusty winds along with lightning flashes and rain or thunderstorms. Other parts of the country are likely to experience mainly dry conditions during the same period.
The forecast also indicates a slight rise in both daytime and nighttime temperatures across the country. This change is expected to occur gradually over the forecast period, alongside the intermittent development of convective weather in several regions. River ports in the affected areas have been instructed to maintain caution in accordance with the issued warning signal.