Rain likely across Bangladesh as heavy showers forecast in several divisions on Eid day

Downpours have been causing significant distress to commuters since the beginning of the Eid rush, and the Bangladesh Meteorological Department warns that this rainy trend is likely to persist until next Saturday.

As the country prepares to celebrate Eid-ul-Azha on Thursday, the Met Office has indicated a strong possibility of rain or thundershowers across many parts of five divisions, including the capital city of Dhaka.

Moreover, heavy to very heavy falls are expected in some areas across four divisions.

Meteorologist Tariful Newaz Kabir said on Tuesday: “On Eid day, rain or thundershowers are likely at many places over Rajshahi, Khulna, Dhaka, Mymensingh, and Sylhet divisions and at one or two places over Rangpur, Barishal, and Chattogram divisions.”

“Among these, heavy to very heavy rainfall may occur at some places in Mymensingh, Sylhet, Dhaka, and Rajshahi divisions,” he said.

He added that the tendency for rainfall would be relatively higher in the central regions of the country, while northern and southern areas—specifically Rangpur, Barishal, and Chattogram divisions—face a lower likelihood of rain.

When asked about the specific weather conditions for the capital on Eid day, Tariful said: “There is a possibility of light to moderate rain in Dhaka during the morning and afternoon on Eid day. The day temperature may remain unchanged on that day, but the night temperature may drop slightly.”

During the 24 hours leading up to 6pm on Tuesday, Sreemangal in Moulvibazar district recorded the country’s highest rainfall at 90mm, while Dhaka recorded 68mm.

Morning showers on Eid day could trigger severe complications for citizens heading out for the main Eid congregations.

The rain is also bound to complicate the slaughtering of sacrificial animals and the subsequent processing of meat.

Rainwater will inevitably wash animal blood and waste from the roadsides directly into the city’s drainage systems.

A few years ago, torrential downpours on Eid-ul-Azha caused severe waterlogging in Dhaka’s Shantinagar.

The stagnant water mixed with animal blood, turning the streets into a striking visual described by many as “rivers of blood”.

However, rainfall in the afternoon could help clean roads and ease the workload of sanitation workers, while also reducing odour.

The five-day outlook from the Meteorological Department indicates varying degrees of rainfall across different regions every day.

In the 24 hours from 6pm on Tuesday, light to moderate rain or thundershowers are expected at many places over Rangpur, Rajshahi, Mymensingh, and Sylhet divisions; at a few places over Dhaka and Chattogram divisions; and at one or two places over Khulna and Barishal divisions.

Moderately heavy to heavy falls are also possible at places over Rangpur, Rajshahi, Dhaka, Mymensingh, Chattogram, and Sylhet divisions.

Day temperatures may fall slightly, while night temperatures could rise a little across the country.

From Wednesday at 6pm for the next 24 hours, rain or thunderstorms with temporary gusty or squally winds and lightning flashes may occur at many places in Rajshahi, Khulna, Dhaka, Mymensingh and Sylhet divisions, and at some places in Rangpur, Barishal and Chattogram divisions. Moderate to heavy rainfall may occur at some places.

From 6pm on Thursday, the weather forecast indicates temporary gusty or squally winds alongside light to moderate rain or thundershowers at many places over Rangpur, Rajshahi, Khulna, and Mymensingh divisions, and at a few places over Dhaka, Barishal, Chattogram, and Sylhet divisions.

Moderately heavy to heavy rainfall may continue at places, with day temperatures dropping slightly nationwide.

From Friday 6pm for the next 24 hours, some places in Dhaka, Mymensingh and Sylhet divisions and a few places in other divisions may experience light gusty winds and lightning flashes with light to moderate rain or thunderstorms.

From Saturday 6pm for the next 24 hours, some places in Chattogram division and a few places in Rangpur, Rajshahi, Dhaka, Mymensingh, Khulna, Barishal and Sylhet divisions may experience temporary gusty winds, lightning flashes and light to moderate rain or thunderstorms.

Moderate heavy rainfall may occur at some places in Chattogram division.