The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has forecast temporary gusty or squally winds of up to 60 kilometres per hour, accompanied by rain or thunderstorms, across 12 regions of the country.
The warning was issued in a forecast for the country’s inland river ports, covering the period from 4:30am to 1pm on Friday (4 September). Authorities have advised the river ports in the affected areas to display the No. 1 warning signal.
According to the forecast, Rajshahi, Rangpur, Bogura, Tangail, Mymensingh, Khulna, Barishal, Patuakhali, Noakhali, Cumilla, Chattogram and Cox’s Bazar may experience temporary gusts or squalls from the south or south-eastern direction. Wind speeds in these areas could reach between 45km/h and 60km/h, while rain or thunderstorms may occur at the same time.
The forecast is particularly relevant for river transport, as sudden increases in wind speed during thunderstorms can make conditions more difficult for smaller vessels and boats operating on inland waterways. The No. 1 warning signal at river ports indicates that vessels should remain alert to potentially adverse weather conditions.
Meanwhile, cloudy conditions and rain have also been forecast for Dhaka and neighbouring areas. In a separate six-hour forecast issued from 7am on Friday, the weather department said the sky could remain cloudy to overcast, with rain or thunderstorms likely in some places.
Winds in Dhaka and surrounding areas are expected to blow from the south or south-east at speeds of around 10km/h to 15km/h. Weather conditions may become temporarily more unsettled during periods of rain or thunderstorms.
The forecast comes as weather conditions across different parts of Bangladesh remain capable of changing rapidly, particularly during episodes of thunderstorms. Residents in the affected regions are therefore expected to remain alert to local weather updates, while people travelling by river should take the relevant warning signals into account before setting out.
The 12 regions specifically identified in the forecast are Rajshahi, Rangpur, Bogura, Tangail, Mymensingh, Khulna, Barishal, Patuakhali, Noakhali, Cumilla, Chattogram and Cox’s Bazar. The warning period for the inland river ports runs until 1pm on Friday, while the Dhaka-area forecast covers the six hours from 7am.
