Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has issued a comprehensive 120-hour weather outlook predicting widespread light to moderate rainfall, accompanied by gusty winds and severe thundershowers, across major divisions including Dhaka and Chattogram. Weather forecasters warn that several regions must prepare for heavy to very heavy localized downpours over the coming five-day period.
According to the official bulletin released on Tuesday, 18 August, the land depression previously situated over Jharkhand and adjoining regions has drifted west-northwestwards. Synoptic conditions indicate that the system is expected to weaken gradually into a well-marked low-pressure area over the next 24 hours as it moves across eastern India. Meanwhile, the axis of the monsoon trough runs through Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, the center of the depression, and southern Bangladesh, extending onwards to Assam.
Monsoon activity remains active over Bangladesh and exceptionally strong across the North Bay of Bengal, creating conditions highly conducive to sustained precipitation and squally weather for maritime ports and coastal belt districts.
For the initial 24-hour period ending Wednesday evening, light to moderate rain or thundershowers driven by gusty squalls are anticipated across many places in Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram, and Sylhet divisions. Similar conditions will affect scattered locations in Rangpur, Rajshahi, Mymensingh, and Dhaka, with heavy to very heavy downpours probable in isolated pockets. Both day and night temperatures are expected to rise slightly across the country.
Over the subsequent 24 hours starting Wednesday evening, 19 August, precipitation will persist across many areas in Rangpur, Mymensingh, Barishal, Chattogram, and Sylhet, while scattered places in Rajshahi, Dhaka, and Khulna experience moderate showers. Daytime and night-time temperatures should remain largely unchanged.
By Thursday evening, 20 August, monsoon rain is projected to intensify further, affecting widespread areas of Rajshahi, Rangpur, Mymensingh, Khulna, Chattogram, and Sylhet, alongside localized spots in Dhaka and Barishal. Intense spells of heavy downpours are forecast in several places, accompanied by a minor increase in ambient temperatures.
Heading into Friday, 21 August, widespread rainfall will cover most regions of Rangpur, Mymensingh, Dhaka, Barishal, Chattogram, and Sylhet. On Saturday, 22 August, the rain system will maintain a strong presence over Rangpur, Mymensingh, Dhaka, Khulna, and Sylhet, while offering temporary respite in parts of Rajshahi, Barishal, and Chattogram.
The Meteorological Department has advised river port operators and municipal authorities to maintain vigilance against localized urban waterlogging and sudden flash runoff, particularly in vulnerable low-lying areas and hilly terrains susceptible to landslides under heavy rainfall.
