Bangladesh is expected to experience heavy to very heavy rainfall over the next 48 hours, with authorities warning of possible flooding, waterlogging and landslides in several regions, the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) said on Saturday.
In a special weather bulletin, the BMD said convective cloud formation could produce rainfall of 44–88 mm in many areas, while isolated locations may receive up to 188 mm in 24 hours.
The warning is effective from the afternoon of May 2 and covers at least 32 districts in Dhaka, Mymensingh, Chittagong and Sylhet divisions.
Meteorologists described the conditions as part of an active pre-monsoon system, noting an increase in the frequency and intensity of heavy rainfall events in recent years.
Authorities warned that short-duration heavy rain could overwhelm drainage systems in major cities, including Dhaka and Chittagong, causing waterlogging and disruption to daily activities.
Urban experts cited inadequate drainage capacity, encroachment of canals and wetlands, and unplanned urban expansion as key factors increasing vulnerability.
“In densely populated cities like Dhaka, even brief intense rainfall can trigger serious waterlogging,” an urban expert said, adding that integrated stormwater management was needed to reduce recurring risks.
Traffic congestion, delays in emergency response and disruptions to business and education were expected, officials said.
The BMD warning also highlighted a risk of landslides in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, including Rangamati, Bandarban and Khagrachhari, where prolonged rainfall can destabilize slopes.
A researcher at the University of Chittagong said continuous heavy rain increases soil saturation, raising the likelihood of slope failure.
Local administrations have been instructed to monitor high-risk areas and prepare for possible evacuations if conditions worsen.
The weather warning comes during the Boro rice harvest season, particularly in the haor regions of northeastern Bangladesh, where flooding and low sunlight are already affecting agricultural activities.
Md Abdur Rouf Sarkar, senior scientific officer at the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI), said excess water can submerge mature crops, while insufficient sunlight delays drying of harvested paddy and increases the risk of post-harvest losses.
Farmers in areas including Kishoreganj have already reported damage to thousands of hectares of farmland due to flooding and waterlogging, according to local reports.
Climate experts said the current rainfall pattern reflects broader climate change trends.
Md Shamsuddoha, executive director of the Center for Participatory Research and Development (CPRD), said Bangladesh is experiencing more short-duration, high-intensity rainfall as rising temperatures increase atmospheric moisture.
He said the country’s geography, including its deltaic plains and river systems, increases exposure to flooding and landslides.
The BMD forecast indicates that unstable weather may continue for at least five days, with rain or thundershowers expected in most parts of the country.
Disaster management authorities have placed teams on alert in flood- and landslide-prone areas. Local administrations have been directed to clear drainage systems, strengthen emergency preparedness and increase public awareness.
Experts said timely dissemination of warnings and local preparedness are essential to reducing risk.
“Timely information saves lives,” said Dr Kamruzzaman of Stamford University.
Officials said the situation highlights Bangladesh’s increasing exposure to climate-related extreme weather, including urban flooding, crop losses and landslides.
They warned that without long-term investment in climate-resilient infrastructure, forecasting systems and land-use planning, economic and human losses are likely to increase.
