Heavy rain turned Dhaka’s afternoon into near darkness on Wednesday as dark clouds blanketed the capital, disrupting daily life and causing fresh inconvenience for city residents.
The sudden downpour came after the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) forecast heavy rain, nor’westers and lightning across parts of the country, including Dhaka.
In its warning, the BMD said thunderclouds may continue to form over the country, under whose influence heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely at places in Rangpur, Mymensingh and Sylhet divisions over the 72 hours from 6pm on Wednesday.
It said heavy rainfall is defined as 44–88 mm in 24 hours, while very heavy rainfall exceeds 88 mm. The weather office also warned that such rainfall may cause temporary waterlogging in parts of Sylhet division.
In a separate alert, the BMD said rain or thundershowers accompanied by temporary gusty or squally winds and lightning may occur in parts of Tangail, Sirajganj, Mymensingh, Bogra, Joypurhat and Kishoreganj by noon on Wednesday.
The department also cautioned that lightning activity was already being observed in parts of northern and northeastern Bangladesh, advising people to remain indoors during thunderstorms and for at least 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder.
In its inland river port forecast valid from 9am to 6pm on Wednesday, the BMD said temporary gusty or squally winds from the west or northwest at 45–60 km/h may affect Rangpur, Dinajpur, Rajshahi, Pabna, Bogura, Tangail, Dhaka, Mymensingh and Sylhet regions, along with rain or thundershowers. River ports in these areas have been advised to hoist Cautionary Signal-1.
Meanwhile, the 120-hour outlook from Tuesday evening said a low-pressure area over the southwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining regions may intensify, with light to moderate rain or thundershowers expected across much of the country, and heavier spells likely in parts of the northern and northeastern divisions.