Storm alert issued for 12 regions

Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has forecast thunderstorms accompanied by rain and gusty winds in 12 regions of the country by Thursday night, advising river ports in the affected areas to display Signal No. 1.

According to a river port warning issued by meteorologist Md Abdul Hamid Mia on Thursday, temporary gusty or squally winds with speeds of 45-60 kmph, accompanied by rain or thundershowers, may sweep across Rangpur, Dinajpur, Rajshahi, Pabna, Bogura, Dhaka, Tangail, Mymensingh, Kushtia, Noakhali, Cumilla and Sylhet by 1:00am.

The weather office has instructed river ports in these regions to hoist Signal No. 1 as a precautionary measure.

In its regular forecast, BMD said that by 9:00am on Friday, light to moderate rain or thundershowers accompanied by temporary gusty winds and lightning may occur at some places in Rangpur, Dhaka, Mymensingh, Chattogram and Sylhet divisions, and at one or two places in Rajshahi, Khulna and Barishal divisions.

Moderately heavy rainfall may also occur at places across the country, the forecast added.

The Met Office said a mild to moderate heatwave is currently sweeping over Chandpur, Noakhali and Brahmanbaria districts, as well as Rangpur, Rajshahi, Dhaka, Khulna and Barishal divisions and is likely to persist.

Day temperatures may fall slightly in the northeastern region, while remaining nearly unchanged elsewhere. Night temperatures are expected to remain almost unchanged across the country.

The BMD also warned that high humidity levels may cause discomfort in many areas.

TZ