National
Met Office Forecasts Prolonged Rainfall Amidst Cyclone Michaung
Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, has been experiencing consistent drizzle since the early hours of Thursday (7th December), a weather pattern attributed to the influence of Cyclone Michaung, which formed in the Bay of Bengal. The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) reported that this rainy condition is expected to persist in various parts of the country, including Dhaka, until Friday. Furthermore, temperatures are anticipated to drop starting Monday, contributing to a change in the overall weather pattern.
According to the meteorological office, light to moderate rain or thundershowers, accompanied by temporary gusty winds, are likely in numerous areas across the country. The regions most affected include Chattogram and Sylhet divisions, with a few places in Barishal, Dhaka, and Mymensingh divisions also expected to experience rainfall. Additionally, Chattogram division may witness moderately heavy to heavy falls at specific locations. Commuters in Dhaka have already faced disruptions, experiencing unusual traffic patterns, and office-goers, particularly those in the private sector, have encountered difficulties reaching their workplaces.
Cyclone Michaung, having formed in the Bay of Bengal, made landfall on the coast of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh on December 5, leading to cloudy skies in various parts of Bangladesh, including the capital. The influence of this cyclone has persisted, contributing to the ongoing weather conditions. Notably, 10 mm of rainfall was recorded in Dhaka in the 24 hours leading up to 6 am on Thursday, with the highest rainfall of 26 mm recorded in Jashore.
While a 48-hour blockade is currently in effect, Dhaka commuters have observed unusual traffic patterns in many parts of the city. The meteorological office reported that Cyclone Michaung has weakened in Andhra Pradesh and nearby areas. Nevertheless, its influence has resulted in the continued formation of deep circulating clouds in the North Bay of Bengal and coastal areas of Bangladesh.
Despite the rainfall in December, temperatures have not seen a significant decrease. The Met Office suggests that it will not feel chilly for the next two days due to moisture in the air after the rains. However, if humidity decreases within two days, there may be a return of wintry chills. The Met Office recorded rain in various parts of the country under the influence of Cyclone Michaung, with the highest rainfall observed in Dinajpur at 3 mm.
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has forecasted light to moderate rain or thundershowers accompanied by temporary gusty winds at most places across the Rangpur, Rajshahi, Mymensingh, Dhaka, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram, and Sylhet divisions. Some areas may experience moderately heavy to very heavy rainfall, according to their latest weather bulletin released on Thursday.
Day and night temperatures are expected to remain nearly unchanged across the country.
The highest rainfall in the country over the past 24 hours was recorded in Kumarkhali, with 104mm of rain by 6 a.m. on Thursday.
The axis of the monsoon trough extends from India’s Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and West Bengal to Assam, passing through Bangladesh, with one of its associated troughs stretching into the North Bay of Bengal.
The monsoon remains active over Bangladesh and moderate to strong over the North Bay region.
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has forecasted that the mild heat wave currently affecting parts of the country, including the capital, is expected to subside in most areas within the next 24 hours, starting from 9 am today.
“A mild heat wave is sweeping across the divisions of Rangpur, Rajshahi, Dhaka, Mymensingh, and Sylhet, as well as the districts of Jashore, Chuadanga, and Kushtia. It is likely to ease in most regions,” the department reported.
In addition, BMD predicted light to moderate rainfall or thundershowers, accompanied by temporary gusty winds, across most of Rangpur, Rajshahi, Dhaka, Mymensingh, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram, and Sylhet divisions. Some areas are expected to experience moderate to very heavy rainfall.
Temperatures across the country may drop by 1-2 degrees Celsius during both day and night.
On Monday, Dinajpur in the Rangpur division recorded the country’s highest temperature at 38.6°C, while Bandarban in the Chattogram division saw the lowest temperature at 24.6°C early today.
Meanwhile, rainfall recorded in the past 24 hours, ending at 6 am today, reached 66 mm in Nikli of Dhaka Division.
The sunset in Dhaka is at 5:53 pm today, and sunrise is expected at 5:49 am tomorrow.
Two separate murder cases were filed today in connection with the deaths of a private service holder and a Madrasa student during the anti-discrimination student movement.
The first case was lodged by Ridwan Ahmed with Panchlaish police station, accusing former ministers Dr. Hasan Mahmud, Barrister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Naufel, and 127 others for the death of his nephew Sujan, 14. Sujan, the son of Belal Hossain from Beramara village in Noakhali’s Sadar Thana, was a student at Al Jamirul Hayat Madrasa in the city’s Chandgaon area. He was fatally shot in the Muradpur area on July 18.
The second case was filed by Jamal Uddin at Doublemooring police station, accusing 225 individuals, including Dr. Hasan Mahmud and Education Minister Barrister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Naufel, for the killing of his elder brother Alam, a private service holder, on August 5.
