The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has issued a warning forecasting widespread Kalbaisakhi thunderstorms across the country within the next 48 hours. The alert was issued at 1:00 pm on Thursday (30 April) and will remain in effect for the subsequent two days.
According to the forecast, intermittent Kalbaisakhi storms may affect all eight divisions of the country, namely Rangpur, Rajshahi, Mymensingh, Dhaka, Khulna, Barisal, Chattogram and Sylhet. The storms are expected to move across these regions in a scattered manner, rather than affecting all areas simultaneously.
The Meteorological Department stated that during this period, squally winds originating from the west or north-west may accompany the storms. Wind speeds are likely to reach between 60 and 80 kilometres per hour, or even higher in some locations. These conditions may develop rapidly and vary in intensity across different areas.
In addition to strong winds, the warning also highlights a significant risk of lightning activity during the storm events. Isolated incidents of hail are also expected in different parts of the country. These phenomena are commonly associated with Kalbaisakhi weather systems, which typically occur during the pre-monsoon season in the region and are characterised by sudden development of thunderstorms.
Kalbaisakhi storms are convective weather systems that generally form due to intense surface heating and atmospheric instability. They are often short-lived but can produce strong winds, lightning, and hail, affecting both rural and urban areas.
The anticipated weather conditions across the divisions are summarised below:
| Division | Wind Direction | Wind Speed | Associated Hazards |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rangpur | West / North-West | 60–80 km/h or higher | Lightning, hail |
| Rajshahi | West / North-West | 60–80 km/h or higher | Lightning, hail |
| Mymensingh | West / North-West | 60–80 km/h or higher | Lightning, hail |
| Dhaka | West / North-West | 60–80 km/h or higher | Lightning, hail |
| Khulna | West / North-West | 60–80 km/h or higher | Lightning, hail |
| Barisal | West / North-West | 60–80 km/h or higher | Lightning, hail |
| Chattogram | West / North-West | 60–80 km/h or higher | Lightning, hail |
| Sylhet | West / North-West | 60–80 km/h or higher | Lightning, hail |
The Meteorological Department further noted that the storms will occur in a scattered pattern, meaning that not all areas within a division will necessarily experience the weather simultaneously or with equal intensity. Instead, localised storm activity may develop and dissipate over short periods.
Authorities have indicated that weather conditions may change rapidly within the forecast window, and continuous monitoring of official updates is advised. The warning remains valid for the stated 48-hour period beginning from the early afternoon of 30 April.