Bangladesh is bracing for another spell of stormy weather as an active southwest monsoon intensifies over the country, prompting the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) to issue warnings of thunderstorms, gusty winds and heavy rainfall across large parts of the country.
On Friday, the BMD forecast temporary gusty or squally winds of 45-60km/h, accompanied by rain or thunderstorms, over Dhaka, Faridpur, Khulna, Barisal, Patuakhali, Noakhali, Comilla, Chittagong, Cox's Bazar and Sylhet. Inland river ports in these districts have been advised to hoist Local Cautionary Signal No. 1.
The latest warning comes amid an increasingly active southwest monsoon, which has already triggered intermittent rain in several regions over the past week and is expected to continue influencing weather conditions in the coming days.
For the capital, the BMD forecasts partly cloudy to cloudy skies with rain or thundershowers throughout the day. South to southeasterly winds are expected to blow at 10-15km/h, while daytime temperatures are likely to remain nearly unchanged.
Official observations showed Dhaka recorded a temperature of 25.2°C at 6am on Friday, with 98% relative humidity, reflecting highly moisture-laden conditions. The city received 8mm of rainfall during the previous 24 hours, while Thursday's maximum temperature reached 31.2°C.
Meteorologists said the combination of high humidity and recurring rainfall is likely to keep conditions uncomfortable despite slightly lower temperatures.
According to the BMD's 24-hour nationwide forecast, most places in Dhaka, Khulna, Barisal and Chittagong divisions, along with many areas of Rajshahi, Rangpur, Mymensingh and Sylhet divisions, are likely to experience light to moderate rain or thundershowers accompanied by temporary gusty winds.
The department also warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall in Khulna, Barisal and Chittagong divisions, raising the risk of urban flooding, waterlogging and localized flash floods.
In the Chittagong Hill Tracts and adjoining hilly areas, prolonged rainfall may further increase the risk of landslides.
Meteorologists attribute the current weather pattern to an active southwest monsoon drawing abundant moisture from the Bay of Bengal. Combined with local atmospheric instability, the system is creating favourable conditions for widespread cloud formation, thunderstorms and intense rainfall.
Bangladesh typically experiences short-duration but high-intensity downpours during the monsoon season, particularly in coastal and southeastern districts.
Meteorologist Dr Md Bazlur Rashid said rainfall activity is expected to remain above normal over the next several days.
"The monsoon is currently active over Bangladesh, and this is likely to sustain widespread rain and thunderstorms across many parts of the country," he said.
He added: "Heavy to very heavy rainfall remains possible, particularly in the southern and coastal districts. People using waterways and those staying in open areas should closely follow official weather advisories."
Experts warned that the impacts of the current weather system extend beyond heavy rainfall.
High-intensity downpours could overwhelm urban drainage systems, worsening waterlogging in Dhaka, Chattogram and other major cities. Low-lying areas may experience temporary flooding, while prolonged rainfall in hilly regions could heighten the risk of landslides.
Lightning also remains one of Bangladesh's deadliest monsoon hazards. Authorities have advised people to avoid open fields, rivers, tall trees and electrical poles during thunderstorms, while operators of small boats have been urged to suspend operations when cautionary signals are in force.
With the monsoon expected to remain active through the weekend, the BMD said it will continue issuing updated forecasts and warnings as conditions evolve, urging residents to remain vigilant and follow official weather advisories.