Capital Emerges from Week of Rain, Temperatures Soar
After almost a week of continuous rain, the sun has returned to Dhaka, bringing relief to residents and a sharp rise in temperatures across Bangladesh. The capital’s sky began to clear on Tuesday morning, ending a period of intense downpours that led to widespread flooding.
Rainfall started across Bangladesh on July 5, following an earlier heatwave. Initially, a low-pressure system brought rain to the Chattogram Division. Two days later, the rainfall reached Dhaka. These heavy downpours subsequently caused flooding in at least 11 districts. Dhaka recorded the country’s highest rainfall on Sunday, with 175 millimetres.
With the rain easing, temperatures are now climbing rapidly. The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) forecasts a 1 to 3 degrees Celsius increase across the country today. In Dhaka, the temperature rose from 27 degrees Celsius at 6:00 AM to 29 degrees Celsius by 8:00 AM. Meteorologist AKM Nazmul Haque confirmed the expected temperature rise for the capital and other regions.
Despite the current sunshine, the BMD also suggests a possibility of rain returning to Dhaka and its surrounding areas by this afternoon. Mr. Haque noted that any rain in the capital would likely occur around midday and might not be heavy. More significant rainfall is anticipated in several northern parts of the country, while other areas may see scattered showers.
The meteorologist also explained that high levels of water vapour in the atmosphere are making the current heat feel more intense. While there isn’t enough concentrated vapour for heavy rainfall at this moment, conditions could change if it becomes more concentrated.
Looking ahead, meteorologists predict at least two more low-pressure systems could form later this month. The first is expected around Thursday, with another potentially developing near July 24. However, these upcoming systems are not expected to produce rainfall on the scale experienced over the past week.
