Rain, thunderstorms forecast for Dhaka, 15 other regions

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has forecast rain and thunderstorms accompanied by temporary gusty or squally winds in at least 16 regions, including Dhaka, due to active monsoon conditions.

The weather office also warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall in parts of all eight divisions, raising the risk of temporary waterlogging in Dhaka and Chattogram metropolitan areas and landslides in the hilly regions of Chattogram Division.

According to the inland river ports forecast issued for the period from 5am to 1pm on Saturday, the affected regions include Rangpur, Dinajpur, Tangail, Mymensingh, Dhaka, Faridpur, Kushtia, Jashore, Khulna, Barishal, Patuakhali, Noakhali, Cumilla, Chattogram, Cox's Bazar and Sylhet.

The BMD said these areas may experience rain or thundershowers with temporary gusty or squally winds blowing from the south or southeast at speeds of 45-60km/h. Inland river ports in these regions have been advised to hoist Local Cautionary Signal No. 1.

In a heavy rainfall warning issued by the Storm Warning Centre on Friday, the BMD said that under the influence of the active monsoon, parts of Rangpur, Rajshahi, Mymensingh, Dhaka, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram and Sylhet divisions may receive heavy rainfall of 44-88mm or very heavy rainfall exceeding 88mm during the 24-hour period from 10am on Friday.

The department warned that heavy to very heavy rainfall could cause temporary waterlogging in parts of Dhaka and Chattogram metropolitan areas, while landslides remain a concern in some hilly areas of Chattogram Division.

Regarding the latest synoptic situation, the BMD said the well-marked low over northwest Madhya Pradesh in India and adjoining areas has weakened into a low-pressure area over central Uttar Pradesh and neighbouring regions and is likely to weaken further.

However, a steep pressure gradient persists over the north Bay of Bengal and adjoining areas, which may trigger squally weather over the sea ports, the north Bay and Bangladesh's coastal areas.

As a result, the maritime ports of Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Mongla and Payra have been advised to continue displaying Local Cautionary Signal No. 3.

The BMD also advised all fishing boats and trawlers in the north Bay of Bengal to remain close to the coast and proceed with caution until further notice.