Rainfall Set to Increase Despite Ongoing Mild Heatwave

A mild heatwave continues to affect the districts of Rajshahi, Pabna and Jashore, while rain accompanied by gusty winds and thunderstorms is expected across many parts of Bangladesh over the coming days. The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has also forecast that rainfall is likely to increase further after the next five days, signalling a gradual strengthening of monsoon conditions across the country.

The forecast, issued at 6:00 pm on Friday, covers the 120-hour period beginning from the evening of 26 June. It indicates that although temperatures are expected to remain largely stable in the immediate term, widespread showers and thunderstorms will become increasingly common in several regions.

According to the BMD, an extension of a low-pressure area stretches from Gangetic West Bengal to the north-western Bay of Bengal. At the same time, the southwest monsoon remains moderately active over Bangladesh, although it is weak to moderate over other parts of the northern Bay of Bengal. These atmospheric conditions are creating a favourable environment for the development of rain-bearing clouds across much of the country.

During the next 24 hours, many places in the Rangpur, Mymensingh, Chattogram and Sylhet divisions are expected to experience temporary gusty winds, lightning and light to moderate rainfall or thundershowers. Similar weather is also likely in parts of the Rajshahi, Dhaka, Khulna and Barishal divisions.

The weather office has warned that isolated areas within the Rangpur, Mymensingh, Chattogram and Sylhet divisions could receive moderate to heavy rainfall during this period. Such downpours may lead to temporary waterlogging in low-lying urban areas and reduce visibility on roads, particularly during periods of intense rain and thunderstorms.

Meanwhile, the mild heatwave affecting Rajshahi, Pabna and Jashore is expected to persist for the time being. Despite the rainfall forecast elsewhere, the weather department said there is unlikely to be any significant change in day and night temperatures across the country over the next 24 hours.

The prevailing weather pattern is expected to continue from Saturday through Tuesday. Many areas in the Rangpur, Mymensingh, Chattogram and Sylhet divisions are likely to receive further spells of rain or thundershowers accompanied by gusty winds and lightning. Parts of the Dhaka, Rajshahi, Khulna and Barishal divisions are also expected to witness similar conditions, with isolated locations experiencing moderate to heavy rainfall.

Meteorologists have indicated that daytime temperatures may fall slightly on Saturday as cloud cover and rainfall become more widespread. A more noticeable drop in both daytime and night-time temperatures is forecast for Monday, when cooler conditions are expected to prevail across much of the country. On the remaining days of the forecast period, temperatures are likely to remain close to current levels.

The outlook suggests that the southwest monsoon will continue to influence Bangladesh’s weather during the coming week. While rainfall is expected to provide some relief from the heat in many areas, districts currently experiencing the mild heatwave may not see immediate improvement until precipitation becomes more widespread.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has also projected that rainfall activity will increase further after the five-day forecast period. This points to a stronger monsoon phase, with more frequent and widespread showers likely across the country as seasonal weather systems become increasingly active.

Authorities generally advise residents to remain alert during periods of thunderstorms, particularly in areas prone to heavy rainfall and lightning. Farmers, travellers and people working outdoors are encouraged to monitor weather updates closely, as localised heavy rain and gusty winds may disrupt normal activities in some parts of the country over the coming days.