Rain Likely Nationwide as Daytime Temperatures Edge Higher

Rain is expected to continue across Bangladesh despite a gradual weakening of the monsoon’s influence, according to the latest forecast issued by the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD). While rainfall has become less widespread than in recent days, showers and thunderstorms are still likely in all eight administrative divisions, with daytime temperatures forecast to rise slightly or remain almost unchanged. Night-time temperatures, however, may fall marginally.

The weather forecast, released on Friday (31 July), indicates that many areas of Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram, Sylhet, Rangpur and Mymensingh divisions are likely to experience light to moderate rain or thundershowers accompanied by temporary gusty winds. In contrast, rainfall is expected to be more scattered across Dhaka and Rajshahi divisions, where only some locations are forecast to receive showers. The department has also warned that isolated parts of the country could experience moderately heavy to heavy rainfall.

Meteorologists say such variations are common during the monsoon season, when weather conditions can differ significantly from one region to another depending on the strength and position of the seasonal wind system. As a result, some districts may receive prolonged rainfall while neighbouring areas remain largely dry.

Rainfall data from the past 24 hours show that the highest precipitation was recorded in Ramgati of Lakshmipur, where 76 millimetres of rain fell. During the same period, Dhaka recorded 10 millimetres of rainfall. Despite that, no rainfall was recorded in the capital during the six hours leading up to Friday morning, suggesting a temporary break in precipitation.

For Dhaka and its surrounding areas, the forecast predicts partly cloudy to cloudy skies through midday. Light rain or thundershowers may occur in isolated parts of the capital, while south or south-easterly winds are expected to blow at speeds of between 8 and 12 kilometres per hour.

Temperature readings indicate little change from seasonal norms. On Thursday, Dhaka recorded a maximum temperature of 30.4 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 25 degrees Celsius. At 6:00 a.m. on Friday, the capital’s temperature stood at 26.4 degrees Celsius. According to the forecast, daytime temperatures may increase slightly across the country, although no significant heatwave conditions are expected.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department also provided an update on the broader synoptic situation influencing the country’s weather. It said the extended axis of the monsoon trough currently stretches from Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh in India through the centre of a deep depression, Odisha, West Bengal and the southern part of Bangladesh before extending into Assam. This alignment continues to support monsoon activity over Bangladesh, although conditions over the northern Bay of Bengal are presently described as moderate.

The forecast suggests that while the overall intensity of rainfall has eased compared with previous days, the monsoon remains sufficiently active to produce intermittent showers and thunderstorms across much of the country. Residents, particularly in areas expecting thunderstorms and heavier downpours, are advised to remain alert to rapidly changing weather conditions and exercise caution during periods of gusty winds and lightning.