Weather
Monsoon rains forecast across Bangladesh as low forms over Bay of Bengal
Bangladesh is likely to experience widespread rainfall and thunderstorms over the next 24 hours due to the active monsoon system, according to the Meteorological Department. The forecast, signed by meteorologist Khandaker Hafizur Rahman, was issued on Tuesday (26 August).
The department reported that a low-pressure area has formed near the West Bengal–Odisha coast over the northwest Bay of Bengal. The monsoon trough stretches from Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Bihar, across Bangladesh’s southern region into Assam. The monsoon is currently active over Bangladesh and moderate over the north Bay.
Under these conditions, many parts of Rangpur, Mymensingh, and Sylhet divisions, along with some areas of Rajshahi, Dhaka, Khulna, Barishal, and Chattogram divisions, are likely to see rain or thundershowers accompanied by gusty winds. Moderate to heavy rainfall may occur in isolated places. However, no major changes in temperature are expected.
Meanwhile, the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC) reported that another low-pressure system may form over the northwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining areas within the next 24 hours. Water levels in the Manu and Dhalai rivers of Mymensingh division may rise and remain steady for two days, while the Khwai River is expected to remain stable over the next three days. Coastal rivers in Barishal, Khulna, and Chattogram divisions may experience higher-than-normal tides for the next three days.
Though no significant rainfall was recorded inside Bangladesh in the past 24 hours, heavy showers occurred upstream in India’s Mizoram (Aizawl 76 mm) and Tripura (Kailashahar 74 mm). Looking ahead, from 26 to 29 August, moderate to moderately heavy rainfall is expected in Sylhet, Chattogram, Barishal, and Khulna divisions of Bangladesh, as well as in Meghalaya, Assam, and Tripura states of India.
A low-pressure area is likely to form over the South Andaman Sea and adjoining regions within the next 24 hours, according to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department. The system may gradually intensify as it moves west-northwestward.
Meteorologist Dr Md Omar Faruk said in Saturday’s (22 November) forecast that the existing seasonal low lies over the South Bay of Bengal, with its extension reaching the North Bay.
The forecast indicates that by tomorrow morning (23 November), the weather across the country is expected to remain dry with partly cloudy skies. Light to moderate fog may develop in some areas during early morning hours. Night temperatures may fall slightly, while daytime temperatures are expected to remain nearly unchanged.
Separate forecasts for Sunday through Wednesday suggest that dry weather will persist nationwide, accompanied by partly cloudy conditions. Night temperatures may drop by 1 to 2 degrees Celsius in some regions, with a slight fall in daytime temperatures as well. No significant weather changes are anticipated in the coming days.
Northern Bangladesh has begun experiencing early winter conditions, with Tetulia recording the season’s lowest temperature of 14°C on Friday, according to the Meteorological Department.
Officials say that without the possibility of a late-November storm over the Bay of Bengal, temperatures might have fallen more rapidly, potentially allowing fog and cooler air to trigger a nationwide cold wave.
The Bangladesh Weather Observatory Team (BWOT) reported that if sea conditions remain stable, the season’s first cold wave may arrive in December. Until then, cooler weather will be felt across the country, though not at cold-wave levels.
According to BWOT, the mild and pleasant chill of November is expected to persist throughout the month.
At least 140 people have been killed and 127 others remain missing after Typhoon Kalmaegi swept across the Philippines, according to official figures released on Thursday. The powerful storm is now heading toward Vietnam.
Severe flooding has inundated parts of Cebu province, washing away cars, riverside homes, and even large shipping containers. The National Civil Defense Office confirmed 114 deaths, while local authorities in Cebu reported an additional 28 fatalities.
In Liloan, near Cebu City, at least 35 bodies have been recovered, and many buildings have lost their roofs. On Negros Island, at least 30 people died after mudslides triggered by heavy rains from Kanlaon volcano buried several homes. Six army personnel were also killed when a rescue mission helicopter crashed.
Cebu recorded 18.3 centimeters of rainfall within 24 hours—far above the region’s monthly average of 13.1 centimeters. Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro described the situation as “unexpected” and “catastrophic.”
Scientists warn that climate change is intensifying storms like Kalmaegi, as warmer oceans fuel stronger winds and heavier rainfall. Around 800,000 people have been evacuated to safer areas.
Kalmaegi is expected to make landfall in central Vietnam on Thursday night, where authorities fear the storm could worsen ongoing floods that have persisted for over a week.