Bangladesh issues river port alert as heavy rain forecast nationwide

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall across all eight divisions of the country.

While overall rainfall is expected to ease somewhat, the tendency for rain will remain higher in the southern and coastal regions.

The Met Office also advised inland river ports across the country to hoist Local Cautionary Signal No. 1.

Speaking to bdnews24.com, meteorologist Kazi Jebunnesa said: “There is a possibility of heavy to very heavy rainfall in all eight divisions. That is why we do not mention any specific area but instead say that heavy to very heavy rainfall may occur at places across the country.”

On the expected rainfall pattern, she added: “Although the overall amount of rainfall has decreased compared to earlier, the tendency for rain will gradually become more pronounced in the southern parts of the country, particularly in the coastal areas.”

According to the weather forecast issued at 9am on Tuesday, most places in the Barishal and Chattogram divisions, and many places in the Rajshahi, Rangpur, Dhaka, Mymensingh, Khulna and Sylhet divisions, may experience temporary gusty winds accompanied by light to moderate rain or thundershowers.

The forecast also said moderately heavy to very heavy rainfall may occur at places across the country.

The BMD said daytime temperatures may rise slightly nationwide, while night temperatures are expected to remain nearly unchanged.

The department also warned inland river ports in a bulletin valid from 5am to 1pm on Tuesday.

The advisory said Rangpur, Dinajpur, Rajshahi, Pabna, Bogura, Tangail, Mymensingh, Jashore, Kushtia, Khulna, Barishal, Patuakhali, Noakhali, Cumilla, Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar and Sylhet may experience temporary rain or thundershowers accompanied by gusty or squally winds blowing from the south or southeast at speeds of 45kph to 60kph.