Heavy rain accompanied by thunder and frequent lightning swept across Dhaka early Wednesday morning, bringing a possible temporary drop in temperatures after several days of hot weather.
Rain began shortly before 6am and continued until after 6:30am, with thunder, frequent flashes of lightning and intense downpours making the weather resemble the monsoon season.
According to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) forecast, rain or thundershowers could occur in Dhaka and its adjoining areas by noon.
In its weather forecast issued at 7am for the following six hours, the department said the sky could remain partly cloudy, while daytime temperatures might fall by 1 to 2 degrees Celsius.
Winds from the west or northwest could blow at speeds of 10 to 15 kilometres per hour, with gusts reaching 30 to 40 kilometres per hour in some places.
The temperature in Dhaka was 24.2 degrees Celsius at 6am on Wednesday, with relative humidity at 78 per cent. The day’s minimum temperature was recorded at 24 degrees Celsius, while the maximum temperature on Tuesday stood at 33 degrees Celsius.
The forecast said the seasonal low lies over the South Bay, extending its trough to the Northeast Bay. A low-pressure area is likely to form over the Southeast Bay and adjoining areas on Friday.
Rainfall was also recorded in Dhaka on Monday evening, accompanied by lightning and thunderstorms. It was the heaviest rainfall in the capital in nearly a month, the BMD said. However, temperatures rose again on Tuesday, reaching a high of 33 degrees Celsius.
The latest rainfall has therefore brought temporary relief from the heat, although a more consistent drop in temperatures may take several more days.
