United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh is likely to experience 1-3 heatwaves including one severe heatwave (40°C–41.9°C) and thunderstorms  in the current month. The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has issued its monthly weather outlook for May, forecasting a mix of heatwaves, thunderstorms, and generally normal rainfall across the country. The outlook was finalised during a meeting of the Expert Team on Long-Range Weather Forecasting held on Sunday at the Storm Warning Centre in Dhaka. The team reviewed April’s weather data alongside global and regional climate indicators before preparing the forecast. Besides, rainfall is expected to remain normal nationwide. However, the country may witness 5 to 8 days of light to moderate thunderstorms  including 2 to 3 days of severe thunderstorms accompanied by hail in some areas. Meteorologists also predict the formation of 1 to 2 low-pressure systems over the Bay of Bengal, with at least one having the potential to intensify into a depression or cyclone. Both daytime and nighttime temperatures are expected to stay within normal ranges throughout May. Major rivers across the country are also likely to maintain normal flow levels. However, temporary rises in water levels may occur in the northern, northeastern, and southeastern regions due to isolated heavy rainfall. For the agricultural sector, BMD forecasts average daily evaporation rates of 3.5 to 5.5 mm and daily sunshine duration of 5.5 to 7.5 hours, conditions considered generally favorable for crop growth during this period. The BMD said the forecast is based on detailed analysis of weather observations, upper-level weather patterns, various atmospheric charts, climate models, the SOI (El Niño and La Niña conditions), and May weather forecasts from WMO-recognized institutes and Global Producing Centers (GPCs) including ECMWF, JMA, NOAA, IRI-Columbia University, the APEC Climate Centre (APCC), RIMES, and C3S.

Lightning strikes have killed at least 11 people, including seven farmers, since Monday evening, highlighting a worsening and often overlooked climate threat in Bangladesh. Among them  at least nine people were killed by lightning strikes in Gaibandha, Bogura, Thakurgaon, Sirajganj and Natore districts on Sunday. Besides, two farmers were killed in separate lightning strikes in Sunamganj Sadar upazila on Monday afternoon while harvesting paddy in haor areas, and three more people were injured in Shantiganj upazila. Experts say the rising death toll is closely linked to climate change, which is intensifying storm patterns and increasing the frequency of lightning strikes across the country. Data compiled by the Save the Society and Thunderstorm Awareness Forum (SSTF) show that 297 people — 242 men and 55 women — died from lightning between February and September in 2024. In an earlier period, from April 2022 to May 3, 2023, at least 340 people were killed. Bangladesh, long vulnerable to extreme weather, records an average of around 300 lightning-related deaths annually, according to UN estimates. By contrast, the United States — with nearly double Bangladesh’s population — reports fewer than 20 such deaths each year. In the 1990s, annual fatalities in Bangladesh were only in the dozens, indicating a sharp upward trend over the decades. Scientists and agencies, including NASA and the United Nations, attribute the increase to heightened atmospheric instability driven by global warming, leading to more frequent and intense thunderstorms. Recognising the growing danger, the government has included lightning strikes in the official list of natural disasters in 2016 alongside floods, cyclones, earthquakes and droughts but the death toll from lightning keeps rising apparently for government inadequate measures and lack of people’s awareness.  Farmers most at risk A majority of lightning victims are farmers, who spend long hours in open fields during the monsoon — the peak lightning season. With limited access to safe shelters, they are particularly exposed when sudden storms develop. In the low-lying areas of Sunamganj in north-eastern Sylhet Division, vast haors and wetlands sustain local livelihoods—but they also leave communities dangerously exposed to lightning strikes. As climate change intensifies extreme weather, frequent thunderstorms have made lightning an increasingly deadly threat across these open landscapes. The government is ramping up efforts to curb lightning deaths through early warnings, plantation drives and protective infrastructure, Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu told parliament on  Monday. Responding to a notice raised by Sunamganj-1 lawmaker Kamruzzaman Kamrul, he said steps are being taken to protect people in haor and other high-risk areas, where farmers and fishers are especially exposed during summer and monsoon storms. Kamrul said vast haor wetlands in his constituency leave residents vulnerable year-round, noting that at least 12 people were recently killed by lightning, including four in his area. Citing NASA data, he added that Sunamganj’s haor belt records over 25 strikes per square kilometre. Despite lightning being declared a national disaster, he pointed to gaps in effective programmes, data, equipment and shelters, urging science-based planning and more research. The minister said lightning incidents have increased in recent years, particularly in haor and north-eastern regions. He highlighted measures including awareness campaigns, planned sirens for early alerts, expanded palm tree plantation, and installation of lightning protection towers. In an effort to reduce casualties, SSTF has stepped up awareness campaigns in rural areas. It issued a three-point safety guideline for those working outdoors: First, people should avoid getting wet in the rain or taking shelter under trees in open areas — one of the most common causes of fatalities. Second, anyone in fields, rivers, canals or ponds should immediately seek refuge in a nearby building or concrete structure. If that is not available, they should move to a relatively safer, lower-lying area. Third, children should be kept away from open fields during storms, and outdoor activities should be suspended. SSTF also called for coordinated efforts by government agencies and civil society to expand awareness programmes during the peak lightning months of May and June, provide free treatment to the injured, and ensure compensation of Tk 5 lakh for families of victims. Simple steps can save lives Safety experts stress that many lightning deaths are preventable with basic precautions. The safest place during a thunderstorm is inside a fully enclosed building or a vehicle with a metal roof. People are advised to avoid open spaces, elevated areas, tall trees and small temporary shelters. Doors and windows should be kept closed, and contact with metal objects, water and electrical appliances should be avoided. If caught outdoors with no shelter, individuals should crouch low to the ground, minimising contact rather than lying flat. Those on water bodies should return to land immediately, as swimming or boating during storms significantly increases risk. In forested areas, safer spots are low-lying zones with shorter, closely spaced trees rather than isolated tall ones. As climate risks intensify, experts warn that without sustained awareness and protective measures, lightning will continue to claim hundreds of lives each year — many of them in vulnerable rural communities where a moment’s delay can prove fatal.

As the depression over the Bay of Bengal has intensified into a low-pressure system with the potential to develop into a cyclonic storm, the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has issued warning signal No. 1 for four coastal regions. The low-pressure system is currently positioned approximately 700 kilometres south-southwest of Cox's Bazar seaport, according to satellite images. Low over Bay may intensify into cyclone: BMD As of 6 a.m. on Tuesday, it was located 785 kilometres south-southwest of Chattogram seaport, 700 kilometres south-southwest of Cox’s Bazar seaport, 820 kilometres south-southeast of Mongla seaport, and 760 kilometres south-southeast of Payra seaport. It is moving west-northwest and is likely to intensify into a cyclonic storm. Within 44 kilometres of the centre of the low-pressure system, the maximum sustained wind speed is 40 kilometres per hour, with gusts reaching up to 50 kilometres per hour. The sea near the centre of the low-pressure system is reported to be rough. The Met Office has advised Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Mongla, and Payra seaports to hoist distant cautionary signal No. 1. Cyclone ‘Dana’ to make landfall on Oct 24 triggering 7-foot tidal surge All fishing boats and trawlers operating in the North Bay of Bengal and deep-sea areas have been instructed to remain close to the coast and proceed with caution until further notice. They should be prepared to seek shelter at short notice if necessary.

The people are not getting any respite from the heatwave sweeping across the country at least in the next two days, says the Met Office. A mild to moderate heatwave is sweeping over Dhaka, Sylhet, Rangpur, Khulna and Barishal divisions and the regions of Sitakunda, Rangamati, Cumilla, Feni, Rajshahi and Pabna and it may abate from some part of the country. Issued at 9 am on Wednesday, the bulletin forecasts that day temperature may remain nearly unchanged and night temperature may rise slightly over the country. A trough of low lies over West Bengal and adjoining area, it said. Rain/thundershowers accompanied by temporary gusty wind is likely to occur at one or two places over Rangpur, Mymensingh and Sylhet divisions and the districts of Kishoreganj and Cumilla. The weather may remain mainly dry with temporary partly cloudy sky elsewhere over the country, said the report. But the Met office’s five-day outlook says that there may be rain or thundershowers, and the day temperature may also fall. The maximum temperature was recorded 38.5 degrees Celsius on Tuesday at Srimangal while Dhaka experienced 38 degrees Celsius.

Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) on Saturday forecast light to moderate rain, thundershowers accompanied by temporary gusty wind for many places over Rangpur, Mymensingh, Chattogram and Sylhet divisions, in the next 24 hours since 6pm.

Bangladesh Meteorological Department on Friday forecast light to moderate rain, thunder showers for many places over Rangpur, Mymensingh, Chattogram and Sylhet divisions, in the next 24 hours since 6pm. 

Bangladesh Meteorological Department on Saturday forecast light to moderate rain, thunder showers accompanied by temporary gusty wind for most places of Rajshahi, Dhaka, Khulna, Barishal, Sylhet and Chattogram divisions, in the next 24 hours commencing from 6pm. 

Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) on Sunday morning forecast light to moderate rain and thundershowers in most places over the country in the next 24 hours.

Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) on Sunday morning forecast rain and thundershowers in most places over the country in the next 24 hours.

Bangladesh Meteorological Department on Sunday morning forecast that rainfall activity will decrease by the next three days commencing 9am.