Showers and thundershowers swept across parts of Dhaka on Saturday afternoon, bringing much-needed relief to city dwellers after several days of sweltering heat and high humidity.
The rainfall, accompanied by gusty winds in some areas, affected various parts of the capital, including Kamalapur, Purana Paltan, Jatrabari, Malibagh, Dhanmondi, Kalabagan, Panthapath, Farmgate, Shahbagh and Karwan Bazar.
In several areas, the rain was accompanied by thunder and strong winds, providing respite from the uncomfortable weather conditions that had persisted over the past few days.
According to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD), the weather is being influenced by a trough of low pressure extending from West Bengal to the northern Bay of Bengal.
The weather office said the southwest monsoon is actively advancing and is expected to bring widespread moderate to heavy rainfall to Dhaka and other parts of the country in the coming days.
The BMD also said the southwest monsoon may reach the Cox's Bazar coast within the next 48 hours.
According to its latest forecast, rain or thundershowers accompanied by temporary gusty or squally winds are likely at many places in Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram and Sylhet divisions, and at some places in Rangpur, Rajshahi, Dhaka and Mymensingh divisions over the next 24 hours.
Moderate to heavy rainfall may occur in different parts of the country during this period, while both day and night temperatures are expected to fall slightly.
The BMD has advised river ports across the country to hoist cautionary signal No. 1.
The sudden showers noticeably eased the persistent heat, with temperatures expected to decline further as monsoon conditions strengthen.
talhabinhabib@yahoo.com
