Rain accompanied by squally winds of 45–60 km/h may affect 15 areas across Bangladesh, according to weather forecasts issued for the country’s inland river ports on Thursday.
The forecast, covering the period from 8:30 a.m. until 6:00 p.m., stated that adverse weather conditions could occur over Rangpur, Bogura, Tangail, Mymensingh, Dhaka, Faridpur, Madaripur, Khulna, Barishal, Patuakhali, Noakhali, Cumilla, Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar and Sylhet. In response, the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) advised river ports in these areas to display Local Cautionary Signal No. 1.
The warning reflects the likelihood of temporary thunderstorms and gusty winds affecting inland waterways and adjacent districts during the day.
Areas Under River Port Warning
| Area/District | Forecast Condition | Wind Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Rangpur | Rain or thundershowers with squally winds | 45–60 km/h |
| Bogura | Rain or thundershowers with squally winds | 45–60 km/h |
| Tangail | Rain or thundershowers with squally winds | 45–60 km/h |
| Mymensingh | Rain or thundershowers with squally winds | 45–60 km/h |
| Dhaka | Rain or thundershowers with squally winds | 45–60 km/h |
| Faridpur | Rain or thundershowers with squally winds | 45–60 km/h |
| Madaripur | Rain or thundershowers with squally winds | 45–60 km/h |
| Khulna | Rain or thundershowers with squally winds | 45–60 km/h |
| Barishal | Rain or thundershowers with squally winds | 45–60 km/h |
| Patuakhali | Rain or thundershowers with squally winds | 45–60 km/h |
| Noakhali | Rain or thundershowers with squally winds | 45–60 km/h |
| Cumilla | Rain or thundershowers with squally winds | 45–60 km/h |
| Chattogram | Rain or thundershowers with squally winds | 45–60 km/h |
| Cox’s Bazar | Rain or thundershowers with squally winds | 45–60 km/h |
| Sylhet | Rain or thundershowers with squally winds | 45–60 km/h |
In its general weather bulletin valid until 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, the Meteorological Department said that many places in the divisions of Rangpur, Mymensingh, Dhaka, Barishal, Chattogram and Sylhet could experience light to moderate rain or thundershowers. Similar conditions may occur at some locations in Rajshahi and Khulna divisions.
The forecast also indicated the possibility of moderately heavy to heavy rainfall at isolated places within the Rangpur, Mymensingh, Chattogram and Sylhet divisions. Such rainfall events are common during the active monsoon season and can lead to temporary waterlogging in low-lying areas.
Meanwhile, a mild heatwave continues to affect Gopalganj, Rajshahi and Pabna districts, as well as parts of Khulna Division. According to the BMD, this heatwave is likely to persist.
Looking ahead, the forecast for the 24-hour period beginning at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday suggests that many places in Rangpur, Dhaka, Mymensingh, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram and Sylhet divisions may continue to receive light to moderate rainfall. Some areas of Rajshahi Division are also expected to experience similar weather conditions. In addition, moderately heavy to heavy rainfall may occur at isolated locations across the country.
The Meteorological Department attributed the prevailing weather pattern to an extension of a low-pressure area stretching from Gangetic West Bengal to the north-west Bay of Bengal. The southwest monsoon remains moderately active over Bangladesh, while conditions elsewhere over the northern Bay of Bengal range from weak to moderate. These atmospheric conditions continue to support the development of rain-bearing clouds and thunderstorms across various parts of the country.