The year’s first pre-monsoon rain band, named “Godhuli,” is set to enter Bangladesh bringing relief from rising temperatures.
The rain band is expected to become active from Friday night through the country’s northeastern region.
According to the Bangladesh Weather Observation Team (BWOT), a private weather monitoring organization, the system may trigger thunderstorms and rain in nearly 40–50% of the country.
BWOT said the partial rain band is likely to have the strongest impact on districts in the northeastern part of the country.
Prolonged rainfall is expected particularly in Sylhet and Mymensingh divisions.
The rain band is forecast to enter Bangladesh through Sylhet, Rangpur and Mymensingh divisions on Friday night and may exit the country through the coastal areas by March 18.
Data from BWOT suggests that Sylhet and Mymensingh divisions will experience the most active conditions. The northeastern part of Dhaka division, northern areas of Chittagong division, and the northern and northeastern parts of Rangpur division are also expected to be significantly affected.
Several rounds of Nor’wester storms accompanied by thunderstorms and scattered hailstorms may occur in these regions.
Moderate activity may also be observed in the remaining parts of Dhaka and Rangpur divisions, as well as the northern areas of Rajshahi and Khulna divisions.
However, rainfall activity is expected to be comparatively lower in Barisal division and the southern parts of Khulna and Chittagong divisions.
During this period, Nor’wester storms may sweep across parts of the country with wind speeds ranging from 60 to 80km/h.
Moderate to intense lightning and isolated hailstorms are also possible, while the northern Bay of Bengal may remain slightly rough.
BWOT has issued a special caution, warning that heavy rainfall may increase the risk of landslides in the hilly areas of Sylhet division. However, there is no risk of flooding from this rain band.
The Chaitra-season rainfall is expected to benefit the agricultural sector. BWOT said the rainfall could meet irrigation demand in approximately 25–35% of agricultural areas across the country.
Cloudy skies are also expected to keep weather conditions relatively comfortable in northern and central regions, although brief humid conditions may be felt in the southern parts during breaks in rainfall.
BWOT said the rain band will remain active from March 13 to March 17, with its intensity likely to peak by March 16.
