Dhaka hit by sudden hailstorm as seasonal heat cools

Temperatures may rise by 1–2°C across the country over the next 24 hours, says meteorologists

A mid-Chaitra hailstorm has transformed Dhaka’s streets into a scene of sudden chaos, forcing workers, pedestrians, and commuters alike to seek shelter as ice and rain battered the capital.

The showers began around 8pm and continued for roughly half an hour, paused briefly, and resumed shortly after, leaving workers, commuters, and pedestrians stranded.

Many sought shelter along roadside shops and buildings to escape the pelting hail.

Meteorologist Abul Kalam Mallik said, “At this time of the season, hail is common. When the cloud base descends to around 14,000 feet or lower, conditions for hail formation arise.

“Moist air rising cools rapidly, and water droplets freeze into ice crystals at temperatures as low as –50 to –80°C. These ice crystals collide, grow larger, and eventually fall to the ground as hail when they can no longer remain suspended in the air.”

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department’s bulletin for Wednesday night warned that from 6pm over the next 24 hours, temporary gusty winds with rain or thunderstorm may occur in parts of Dhaka, Mymensingh, Chattogram, and Sylhet divisions, with scattered hail possible.

Elsewhere, partly cloudy skies and mainly dry weather are expected.

Temperatures across the country are forecast to rise 1–2°C during both day and night. Mild heat flow is expected in western regions.

In the past 24 hours, Rajshahi recorded the highest temperature at 36.8°C, while Nilphamari’s Dimla and Netrokona saw the lowest at 19.3°C.

Rainfall was highest in Ramgati, Lakshmipur, at 38mm, followed by Tangail 35mm, Netrokona 32mm, Rangpur 14mm, and Sylhet 12mm, according to the Met Office.