Dhaka hit by rain, strong winds

Dhaka has been swept by a brief spell of evening rain and gusty winds, bringing a sudden shift in weather with the Bengali month of Baishakh drawing to a close.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) said wind speeds in the capital may reach 20 to 30km per hour during this period on Wednesday.

However, officials ruled out any severe Nor’wester conditions, which are typically defined by wind speeds of 90kph or more.

 “There is no possibility of such severe storm conditions in Dhaka [on Wednesday]. There may be some intermittent rain for a while,” meteorologist Afroza Sultana said.

She added that rainfall in Dhaka is expected to remain limited over the next four to five days, with largely stable weather conditions.

She said there is little likelihood of any sharp rise in the mercury in the coming days.

Daytime temperatures may rise to around 34–35°C, while the chance of a heatwave remains low.

On Wednesday, the highest temperature recorded in the country was 35.2°C in Jashore, while Dhaka recorded 33.5°C.

Afroza also noted that rainfall chances are higher in the northern and northeastern regions, while the western parts of the country may see relatively less precipitation.

Meanwhile, the Met Office issued a warning for inland river ports valid from 5:30pm Wednesday to 1am, forecasting temporary gusty or squally winds of 45–60kph accompanied by rain or thunderstorms over several regions, including Rajshahi, Pabna, Bogura, Dhaka, Mymensingh, Tangail, Faridpur, Jashore, Kushtia, Khulna, Barishal, Patuakhali, Cumilla, Noakhali, Chattogram and Sylhet.

River ports in these areas have been advised to hoist cautionary signal No. 1.

Meteorologist Tariful Newaz Kabir explained that open river conditions allow wind speeds to intensify, requiring precautionary warnings for the safety of vessels.

In its 120-hour forecast issued Wednesday evening, the department said light to moderate rain or thundershowers accompanied by temporary gusty winds and lightning may occur in parts of Mymensingh and Sylhet, and in isolated areas of Rangpur, Rajshahi, Dhaka, Khulna, Barishal and Chattogram divisions.

Day and night temperatures across the country may fall slightly during this period.