Heavy rain is expected in five divisions, with the wet weather set to continue for a week.

As the Bengali month of Ashwin draws to a close, monsoon rains remain active across Bangladesh. Widespread rainfall has been ongoing since Wednesday due to a depression in the Bay of Bengal, with heavy to very heavy rain now predicted for five divisions, including Dhaka.

On Thursday, the Bangladesh Meteorological Department issued a special alert, signed by Meteorologist Hafizur Rahman, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall in Dhaka, Mymensingh, Barishal, Chattogram, and Sylhet divisions over the next 24 hours, starting at 9 a.m. on Saturday.

There is also a risk of landslides in the hilly regions of Chattogram Division due to the anticipated heavy rainfall. "The depression in the Bay of Bengal is currently stationary over the northern Bay and the coastal areas of West Bengal, causing rainfall across the country. Rain in Dhaka is expected to ease by the evening, and from tomorrow, the overall intensity of rainfall is likely to decrease," she explained.

"However, due to the active monsoon, scattered rains may continue until October 12, although the intensity is expected to be less severe than in recent days," she added.

According to the regular bulletin released by the meteorological department at 11 a.m. on Saturday, monsoon winds remain active over Bangladesh. The monsoon trough stretches from Bihar in West Bengal through central Bangladesh to Assam, while a low-pressure system is present over the northern Bay of Bengal and the coastal areas of Bangladesh and India.

Consequently, ports in Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Mongla, and Payra have been advised to raise local cautionary signal No. 3.

This weather system may result in temporary gusty winds along with light to moderate rain or thundershowers in most areas of Dhaka, Rajshahi, Mymensingh, Barishal, and Sylhet divisions, as well as in parts of Rangpur, Khulna, and Chattogram divisions. Some areas may experience heavy to very heavy rainfall, leading to a slight decrease in day and night temperatures across the country.

In the last 24 hours, Chandpur recorded the highest rainfall in the country, measuring 250 mm.

Other notable rainfall amounts include 178 mm in Tangail, 162 mm in Madaripur, 160 mm in Netrakona, 112 mm in Mymensingh, 138 mm in Rajarhat, Kurigram, 109 mm in Sylhet, and 69 mm in Dhaka.

During this period, the highest temperature recorded was 33.3°C in Koyra, Khulna, while the lowest was 23.5°C in Syedpur, Nilphamari.

Two Rivers Above Danger Level

Sajal Kumar Roy, a sub-divisional engineer at the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre, informed bdnews24.com that "the water level of the Bhogai River at Nakugaon Point in Sherpur, which was above the danger level yesterday, has decreased by 171 centimeters and is now just 1 centimeter above the danger mark. We expect it to fall below the danger level within the next 12 to 18 hours."

"Meanwhile, the Jinjiram River at Goalkanda Point in Jamalpur is currently flowing 25 centimeters above the danger level and is expected to remain stable for the next 12 to 18 hours, after which it should begin to decrease within 24 hours. All other rivers in the country are currently below the danger mark," Sajal added.

He noted that while rain is expected in Sherpur, the flood situation could improve within 12 to 24 hours as water levels recede.

On Thursday, heavy rains combined with upstream water contributed to flooding in the low-lying areas of two Upazilas in Sherpur, where the banks of the Maharshi, Bhogai, and Chellakhali rivers overflowed, impacting thousands of people.

Many rural roads and extensive agricultural fields in these Upazilas have been submerged, with knee-deep water flooding numerous homes. Several ponds have overflowed, leading to the escape of fish.

According to the Water Development Board, Ministry of Water Resources Secretary Nazmul Ahsan stated in a Facebook post that due to heavy overnight rainfall (225 mm) on October 3 and ongoing rains on Friday, along with upstream flow, breaches were observed at four points along the Maharshi River in Jhenaigati Upazila and at two points along the Chellakhali River in Nalitabari Upazila.

Emergency protection measures are being implemented at three of these locations, while temporary repairs will be conducted at the remaining three once the water levels subside.