The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has issued a nationwide alert warning of nor’westers, thunderstorms, and heavy to very heavy rainfall over the next 48 hours.
Coastal seaports have been asked to hoist Local Warning Signal-3.
According to the BMD storm warning, from 1pm Thursday and over the following 48 hours, parts of Rangpur, Rajshahi, Mymensingh, Dhaka, Khulna, Barisal, Chittagong, and Sylhet divisions may experience scattered nor’westers blowing from the west or northwest at speeds of 60–80 km/h or higher. The storms may be accompanied by lightning and isolated hail.
In a separate heavy rainfall warning, the department said continued formation of thunderclouds may bring heavy rainfall of 44–88 mm and very heavy rainfall of up to 188 mm in parts of Mymensingh, Dhaka, Khulna, Barisal, Chittagong, and Sylhet divisions during the same 48-hour period from 1pm Thursday. The BMD cautioned that this may cause temporary waterlogging in some areas, along with a risk of landslides in hilly regions of the Chittagong division.
In its 24-hour forecast from 9am Thursday, the BMD said many areas in Rangpur, Rajshahi, Mymensingh, Dhaka, Khulna, Barisal, Chittagong, and Sylhet divisions may experience temporary gusty or squally winds, lightning, and light to moderate rain or thundershowers. Moderately heavy to very heavy rainfall is also likely in parts of the country, while day and night temperatures may rise slightly nationwide.
The weather bulletin added that a steep pressure gradient persists over the North Bay of Bengal and adjoining areas. As a result, Chittagong, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla, and Payra seaports have been advised to hoist Local Warning Signal-3. Fishing boats and trawlers in the North Bay have been advised to remain close to the coast and proceed with caution until further notice.
