A two-hour downpour this morning provided much-needed relief from the oppressive heat but also caused significant disruption for commuters in Dhaka.
The rain, which began around 9:30am and continued until 11:30am, led to flooding in several areas including Malibagh, Moghbazar, Shantinagar, Farmgate, Badda, Mirpur, and Khilkhet.
Office-goers and residents found themselves wading through ankle-deep water to reach their destinations.
Many people were seen struggling through the waterlogged roads, highlighting the city's drainage issues.
The sky had been overcast since the early morning, and the rain, accompanied by thunderstorms, helped to alleviate the stifling heat that had gripped the city for the past few days.
The rainwater also entered private vehicles, and CNG-run autorickshaws travelling along the main roads, leading to engine damage and breakdowns.
Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) forecast rain or thundershowers in all divisions including Dhaka in 24 hours commencing 9am on Wednesday.
“Light to moderate rain or thundershowers accompanied by temporary gusty wind is likely to occur at most places over Rangpur, Mymensingh, Dhaka, Barishal, Chattogram and Sylhet divisions and at a few places over Rajshahi and Khulna divisions with moderately heavy to heavy falls at places over the country,” said a Met office update.
The country’s highest 85mm of rainfall was recorded in Panchagarh in 24 hours till 6am on Wednesday.
However, a mild heat wave is sweeping Dhaka, Rajshahi and Khulna divisions and it may abate from some places.
Day and night temperature may fall by (1-3)°c over the country, according to the BMD.
The country’s highest temperature was recorded in Rajshahi and Pabna’s Ishwardy at 38 degree Celsius over the past 24 hours till 6 am Wednesday while the lowest temperature in Bandarban at 24 degree Celsius today.
Meanwhile, a trough of low lies over West Bengal to Northwest Bay. Monsoon is less active over Bangladesh and moderate over North Bay.
