Shravan Showers in the Month of Boishakh

The sky over the capital had been playing hide-and-seek between the sun and rain for the last several days, leading to stifling humidity. However, a low-pressure system in the Bay of Bengal has triggered moderate to heavy rainfall across most parts of the country, including Dhaka. This has finally brought a sense of relief to public life following the uncomfortable heat.

Yet, this relief has come hand-in-hand with waterlogging in various cities across the country. The most affected are day laborers and low-income individuals. Those living on sidewalks or under the open sky have found themselves in dire situations.

Meanwhile, the scenario across the haor (wetland) region has deteriorated compared to previous days due to continuous rain and mountain runoff. Crop lands are now at severe risk of being submerged.

According to the Flood Forecasting and Warning Center, water levels in the Surma, Kushiyara, Dhanu, Baulai, Bhogai, and Kangsha rivers in the haor region have risen. These levels may continue to rise over the next three days. With forecasts of heavy to very heavy rainfall in the region, the Meteorological Department warns of a potential flood.

Amidst this, a dam collapsed early Tuesday morning in Sunamganj’s Madhyanagar due to incessant rain, allowing water to rush into the Ikorchhoi Haor. This has put approximately 64 hectares of Boro rice at risk of being submerged. In response, a control room has been established.

According to a notice from the Water Development Board, flooding may occur in the low-lying riverside areas of Sylhet, Moulvibazar, Habiganj, and Netrokona. The control room will remain operational until further notice.

Experts highlight that the haor region is one of the country's primary "food baskets," accounting for 30% of the nation's total rice production. During the Boro season, mountain runoff or excessive rain poses a massive risk of damage. This not only affects farmers but also drives up rice prices, impacting the entire population.

Meteorologist A.K.M. Nazmul Huq told Agamir Somoy that rain is normal during this time. "Kalboishakhi (Nor'westers) are expected in the month of Boishakh, bringing both storms and heavy rain. However, the intensity varies each year," he explained. According to him, rainfall has been slightly higher this year compared to recent years. Heavy rain is expected to continue in various parts of the country until the first week of May, after which the volume will gradually decrease.

Stating that there is no significant chance of temperatures rising sharply at this time, the meteorologist noted that the weather will remain relatively cool and cloudy due to the ongoing rainfall. No major temperature spikes are expected until the first week of next month.

Regarding why there is more rain during this period this year, expert Bazlur Rashid explained that such changes occur in nature every 10 years as part of a recurring weather pattern. He claimed that April 2024 was the hottest on record in recent years—not just for Bangladesh, but globally. Countries spanning from South Asia to Southeast Asia witnessed severe weather conditions then, with widespread heatwaves lasting for 30 to 35 consecutive days.

Bazlur Rashid’s analysis suggests that this is not only due to global factors but also local phenomena. There was no significant rainfall from November until the beginning of March, which created extremely dry conditions. Predicting the current situation, the meteorologist said, "The rain occurring now may persist for a few more days. After that, the weather will turn dry again, and temperatures will rise."

Data averaged from 51 weather stations across the country showed that more than 32 mm of rain fell nationwide on Tuesday. During this time, the northern regions saw relatively less rain, while the coastal areas experienced heavy downpours. Bhola alone recorded 152 mm of rainfall.

The Meteorological Department's forecast indicates that on Wednesday, light to moderate rain or thunder showers, accompanied by temporary gusty or squally winds and lightning, may occur in many parts of the Rangpur, Rajshahi, Mymensingh, Dhaka, and Sylhet divisions, as well as some parts of the Khulna, Barishal, and Chattogram divisions. Additionally, moderate to very heavy rainfall is likely in parts of the Mymensingh, Chattogram, and Sylhet divisions.