Saad-Sajid; Dbarta24- Following an exceptionally wet July, Bangladesh is preparing for unpredictable weather patterns in August.
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has warned of potential heatwaves, low-pressure systems over the Bay of Bengal, and short-term flooding in several regions of the country, despite expecting overall normal rainfall throughout the month.
The warning was issued following a monthly climate review meeting chaired by Md. Mominul Islam, Director of the BMD and Chairman of the Expert Committee, at the Storm Warning Centre in Dhaka.
July historically records Bangladesh’s highest rainfall. However, the recently concluded July registered a staggering 35.6% increase over normal averages, recording 666 mm of rainfall against the standard 491 mm.
Active monsoons coupled with three distinct low-pressure systems created widespread heavy downpours, isolated mild heatwaves, and severe localized storms.
Khulna saw the highest departure from normal rainfall (+53%), closely followed by Chattogram (+51%), where Ambagan recorded the highest single-day rainfall of the season at 329 mm on July 8.
According to the meteorological committee, August is likely to bring continuing instability:
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Monsoon Disturbances & Depressions: One to two seasonal low-pressure areas are anticipated to develop in the Bay of Bengal, with at least one potentially escalating into a monsoon depression.
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Flood Risks: Water levels in major river basins are projected to rise. Coupled with localized spell of heavy rainfall, short-term flash flood risks loom over parts of the Northern, North-Eastern, and South-Eastern regions of Bangladesh.
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Heatwaves & Thunderstorms: Day and night temperatures are expected to stay slightly above average. Citizens may experience 1 to 2 mild (36°C–37.9°C) or moderate (38°C–39.9°C) heatwaves, along with 5 to 6 days of scattered thunderstorms.
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Agricultural Outlook: Average daily evaporation is estimated at 2.5 to 4.5 mm, with daily sunshine hours between 2.5 and 4.5 hours. Experts note these conditions will play a pivotal role in ongoing Aman rice cultivation and overall seasonal agricultural planning.
Looking further ahead, the long-term outlook spanning August through October suggests that overall precipitation levels across the nation could lean slightly below normal.
Authorities and farming communities are advised to remain vigilant against potential sudden flooding and extreme localized weather shifts throughout the coming weeks.