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Bangladesh may experience generally normal rainfall this August, but one or two low-pressure systems could form over the Bay of Bengal, with at least one potentially intensifying into a depression, according to weather experts.
Several parts of the country could also face short-term flooding, thunderstorms and a rise in temperatures during the month.
Recent data from the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre of the Bangladesh Water Development Board show that flood conditions have already developed at at least four points across the country, while water levels at several other locations are approaching or have reached warning and danger levels.
According to the centre’s hydrological monitoring data, water levels in several rivers are rising due to heavy rainfall and upstream runoff. This has increased the risk of short-term flooding in river basins across the northern, northeastern and southeastern parts of the country.
The Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre considers a river to be at warning level when its water level is within 50 centimetres of the danger mark. In several rivers, however, water levels are already close to or have crossed the danger level, resulting in flooding in low-lying areas.
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department’s expert committee has forecast that rainfall across the country is likely to remain broadly normal this month. However, one or two low-pressure areas may develop over the Bay of Bengal, with at least one potentially strengthening into a depression.
The committee also warned that several spells of heavy to very heavy rainfall could occur in the northern and northeastern hilly areas. Such rainfall could cause water levels in major rivers to rise rapidly.
Meanwhile, rainfall has brought temporary relief to Dhaka, with the capital ranking 24th on the global list of cities monitored for air pollution today. Kampala, the capital of Uganda, topped the list of the world’s most polluted cities.
Meteorologists warned that if rainfall continues over river basins in the coming days, the extent of flooding in already affected areas could expand further.