Strong winds, thunderstorms likely on Eid day: Met office

The Bangladesh Meteorological Office has forecast gusty winds, thunderstorms, and possible hailstorms across parts of the country on Eid-ul-Fitr day tomorrow (21 March).

According to the agency, the weather is being influenced by a western low-pressure system, which is stretching over West Bengal and adjoining areas. Meanwhile, the seasonal low remains over the southern Bay of Bengal.

In its 120-hour forecast issued today (20 March), the Met office said that from 9am tomorrow and over the following 24 hours, parts of Rangpur, Rajshahi, Dhaka, Mymensingh, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram, and Sylhet divisions may experience temporary gusty or squally winds accompanied by lightning and rain or thunderstorms. Isolated hailstorms are also likely, while both day and night temperatures may drop slightly nationwide.

Meteorologist Shahnaz Sultana told The Business Standard that people should be prepared for rain while heading out for Eid celebrations, as stormy conditions, rainfall, and hail are expected in different parts of the country.

Meanwhile, Mostofa Kamal Polash, a PhD researcher in meteorology and climate at the University of Saskatchewan, warned of two spells of Kalbaishakhi storms sweeping across the country on Eid day—one in the morning and another in the evening. He said there is also a risk of intense lightning and hailstorms, including over Dhaka.

He added that similar storm activity could occur both on the day before and the day after Eid across much of the country.

Stormy weather had already begun affecting different areas, including Dhaka, from today morning, with gusty winds and thunderstorms. Earlier forecasts had also indicated similar conditions in parts of Rangpur, Rajshahi, Dhaka, Mymensingh, and Sylhet divisions, along with isolated occurrences in Khulna, Barishal, and Chattogram.

Looking ahead, the Met office said that from Sunday through Monday, a few places across all divisions may continue to experience temporary gusty winds, lightning, and rain or thunderstorms, along with isolated hail. Temperatures are expected to rise slightly during this period.

By Tuesday, rain or thunderstorms are likely only in a few places in Rangpur, Rajshahi, Dhaka, Mymensingh, and Sylhet divisions, while other areas may see partly cloudy but mostly dry weather, with a slight increase in both day and night temperatures.