Low-pressure system raises flood risk in several districts, with heavy rainfall expected

The Met Office forecasts heavy rainfall across the country

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has indicated the formation of a low-pressure system in the Bay of Bengal at the start of October, which could lead to heavy rainfall and temporary flooding in several low-lying areas across the country.

According to a bulletin on Tuesday, the extended part of the low-pressure system stretches from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Bangladesh’s northern regions to Assam.

While the monsoon winds remain weak over Bangladesh, they are moderately active in the northern Bay of Bengal. The Met Office predicts a low-pressure area to form in the northern Bay and adjacent central Bay within the next 24 hours.

From 6pm Tuesday to the next 24 hours, light to moderate rain or thundershowers, accompanied by gusty winds, is likely in most areas of Dhaka, Barishal, Chattogram, and Sylhet divisions, as well as parts of Rangpur, Rajshahi, Mymensingh, and Khulna divisions. Heavy rainfall is also on the cards.

The low-pressure system is expected to cause a 2-3 degree Celsius drop in daytime temperatures, with slight reductions in nighttime temperatures as well.

In the last 24 hours, Dhaka recorded the highest rainfall at 68mm, with Rajshahi and Bogura following at 39mm and 34mm. The highest temperature was recorded in Syedpur, Nilphamari, at 37.6°C, while the lowest was 23.7°C in Sreemangal, Sylhet.

The Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC) has warned that heavy rainfall may cause the water levels in several rivers to rise quickly, potentially flooding low-lying areas. These include rivers in the Teesta, Dharla, Dudhkumar, and Jamuna basins, with risks of flooding in Lalmonirhat and Nilphamari districts.

The FFWC also forecasts rising water levels in rivers in Chattogram, Feni, Noakhali, Comilla, and other districts, with potential flood risks in these areas.