A sudden change in weather was observed in the capital and its surrounding areas as the season’s first Nor’wester struck on Friday evening.
The dust storm began at around 7:15pm on Friday. Gradually, wind speeds increased and within a short time heavy rain started pouring down.
During the storm, gusty winds and rainfall caused some disruption to movement on the roads. Many pedestrians and vehicles were seen taking shelter in safer places. However, the rain brought some relief to city dwellers from the intense heat experienced earlier in the day.
According to the forecast by the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD), Nor’wester-type storms may occur in different parts of the country during March. Such weather events are often accompanied by gusty winds, lightning and heavy rainfall.
The weather office said that although daytime temperatures remain high during this pre-monsoon period, Nor’wester storms may sweep across the country from time to time. These storms typically bring strong winds, lightning and short spells of heavy rain.
The department also said that an extension of a low-pressure area lies over West Bengal and its adjoining areas, while the seasonal low remains over the south Bay of Bengal.
In its 24-hour forecast, the Met Office said that rain or thundershowers accompanied by temporary gusty winds and lightning may occur at a few places in Rangpur, Dhaka, Mymensingh and Sylhet divisions, and at one or two places in Rajshahi, Khulna, Barisal and Chittagong divisions.
