Short-term flash floods predicted in July

Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) warned of potential short-term flooding in three regions this July, despite anticipating normal rainfall throughout the month.

The warning was released on Wednesday in the department’s long-range weather forecast bulletin for July.

This forecast arrives closely following a dry June, during which the country recorded around 29.4 percent less rainfall than average, alongside multiple spells of “mild-to-moderate” heatwaves across different regions, reports bdnews24.com.

Nurul Karim, the acting director of the BMD, said: “Water levels in the country’s major rivers are expected to rise overall this month. Moreover, heavy rainfall could trigger flood situations in the northern, north-eastern, and south-eastern regions.

“While normal rainfall is expected nationwide in July, one to two low-pressure systems may form in the Bay of Bengal, one of which could develop into a monsoon depression.

“Both daytime and night-time temperatures across the country are expected to remain slightly above normal throughout the month.”

Additionally, one or two isolated mild heatwaves may sweep across parts of the country.

The Met Office classifies temperatures between 36°C and 38°C as a “mild heatwave”.

Providing the agricultural weather outlook, Nurul Karim added that the country’s daily average evaporation rate in July is expected to range between 2.5mm and 4.5mm, with average daily sunshine duration lasting between 3.75 and 5.75 hours.

According to BMD data, June’s highest temperature was recorded in Jashore at 38.6°C, while the lowest was observed in Narsingdi at 18.5°C.

The national average temperature last month remained 0.5°C above the seasonal norm.