The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has reported widespread, scattered rainfall across the country, attributed to the influence of a low-pressure system originating in the Bay of Bengal. According to official records, several regions have experienced moderate to heavy precipitation over the last twenty-four hours. Meteorologists have indicated that this weather pattern is expected to intensify, particularly in the north-eastern administrative divisions, with the wet weather anticipated to persist for at least the next four days.
On the evening of Wednesday, 13 May, meteorologist A.K.M. Nazmul Huq provided an update on the prevailing conditions. He confirmed that significant rainfall had already been recorded in various districts, including Khulna, Jashore, Kushtia, Chuadanga, Faridpur, Madaripur, Cumilla, Dhaka, and Sylhet. The department anticipates that from Thursday, the geographic spread of the rain will expand to include Moulvibazar, Kishoreganj, Noakhali, and northern Chattogram.
Intensification in North-Eastern Divisions
The meteorological forecast specifically highlights a heightened probability of increased precipitation in the Rangpur, Mymensingh, and Sylhet divisions starting from Thursday. This trend is expected to remain consistent through to 17 May, as the atmospheric conditions remain conducive to cloud formation and subsequent downpours.
According to the BMD’s official bulletin, the low-pressure system that initially formed over the South-West Bay of Bengal and the adjoining West-Central Bay of Bengal has intensified into a well-marked low. It currently remains stationary over the same maritime region. The influence of this system is likely to result in temporary gusty winds, lightning strikes, and thundershowers in many areas across the Rangpur, Rajshahi, Mymensingh, and Sylhet divisions. Furthermore, scattered rainfall is expected in parts of the Chattogram division, with isolated occurrences predicted for the Khulna and Barishal divisions.
Atmospheric Observations and Statistical Records
Detailed atmospheric data released by the weather office provides further insight into the current climatic state. In the capital city of Dhaka, winds are currently blowing from the south and south-west directions at speeds ranging between 10 and 15 kilometres per hour. A notable feature of the current weather is the extremely high level of humidity, which was recorded at 96% on Wednesday evening, contributing to the perceived discomfort and the likelihood of further convective activity.
The statistical data for Tuesday reveals significant variations in temperature and precipitation levels across the nation:
Minimum Temperature: The lowest temperature in the country was recorded in Sylhet, where the mercury dropped to 21°C.
Maximum Temperature: The peak temperature reached 35°C in Ramgati, Noakhali.
Highest Rainfall: The most substantial volume of precipitation was recorded at Rajarhat in Rangpur, which received 195 millimetres of rain, categorising it as a very heavy downpour.
Impact on Agriculture and Daily Life
The continuation of rainfall until 17 May holds implications for the agricultural sector, particularly regarding the harvest of seasonal crops. While moderate rain can be beneficial for certain plantations, the BMD has warned of potential waterlogging in low-lying areas if the heavy rainfall in the northern regions continues unabated.
Citizens have been advised to remain cautious of lightning strikes, which frequently accompany thundershowers during this pre-monsoon period. Maritime ports and fishing communities have been urged to monitor the status of the well-marked low-pressure area in the Bay of Bengal, although no specific cautionary signals have been escalated as of Wednesday evening. The authorities continue to monitor the system’s trajectory to determine if further intensification into a depression is likely. Residents in the north-eastern belt are encouraged to prepare for a four-day duration of persistent rain and associated gusty winds.