Northern, northeastern regions might face short-term flood risk

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The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has forecast that short-term flooding could occur in the northern, northeastern and southeastern parts of the country this month due to heavy monsoon rainfall.

The monthly outlook also said water levels in major rivers may rise across the country in September, although overall rainfall is expected to remain below normal.

One to three low-pressure systems may develop over the Bay of Bengal, with one potentially intensifying into a monsoon depression. The country may also experience thunderstorms on three to five days during the month.

Both daytime and nighttime temperatures are expected to remain above normal, with two to three mild to moderate heatwaves likely to affect different areas.

According to data reviewed by the BMD’s Long-Range Weather Forecasting Expert Team, Bangladesh received near-normal rainfall in August, with some divisions recording above-normal rainfall and others below normal.

Four low-pressure systems formed over the Bay of Bengal in August, two of which developed into monsoon depressions. Heavy to very heavy rainfall, strong winds and thunderstorms affected various parts of the country during the month.

The highest daily rainfall in August was 198mm, recorded in Hatiya on August 5. A mild heatwave also affected parts of the country on several occasions.

The country’s average maximum, minimum and mean temperatures in August were 0.8°C, 0.5°C and 0.7°C above normal, respectively.