Rainfall is expected to intensify in different parts of Bangladesh under the influence of a depression over the Bay of Bengal. According to forecasts from the Bangladesh Meteorological Department and the Water Development Board, light to heavy rain, with very heavy rainfall in some areas, may continue across the country over the next five days. The situation has raised concerns over rapidly rising river levels, flooding in low-lying areas and possible flash floods, particularly in the southeastern region, including Chattogram and the hill districts.

The Meteorological Department said a low-pressure area formed over the coastal areas of Bangladesh and West Bengal and the adjoining Bay of Bengal has intensified into a monsoon depression. The depression is currently located over Jharkhand in India and adjoining areas. It may move further west-northwestward before gradually weakening.

However, the extended axis of the monsoon trough remains active over southern Bangladesh, while the monsoon is also strong over the northern Bay of Bengal. As a result, rainfall is expected to continue across different parts of the country for the next five days.

According to the latest information from the Bangladesh Meteorological Department and the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre of the Water Development Board, water levels in the country’s major rivers are currently flowing below the danger level. However, heavy rainfall and runoff from upstream hilly areas could cause flooding in some low-lying areas of the southeastern region.

According to the five-day forecast, on Tuesday, light to moderate rain may occur in most areas of Rajshahi, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram and Sylhet divisions and in many areas of Rangpur, Mymensingh and Dhaka divisions. Moderate to heavy rainfall may occur at some locations. Day and night temperatures are expected to remain nearly unchanged.

On Wednesday (August 19), rain is likely in many areas of Rangpur, Mymensingh, Barishal, Chattogram and Sylhet divisions and in some areas of Rajshahi, Dhaka and Khulna divisions. Temperatures may rise slightly.

On Thursday (August 20), rain is expected in many areas of Rangpur, Mymensingh, Barishal, Chattogram and Sylhet divisions and in some areas of Rajshahi, Dhaka and Khulna divisions. Moderate to heavy rainfall may occur at some locations.

The rainy trend is expected to continue across the country on Friday and Saturday (August 21 and 22), with forecasts of moderate to heavy rainfall in different divisions.

Meanwhile, the Water Development Board said heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely over Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram and Sylhet divisions and their upstream areas over the next two days.

In the past 24 hours, significant rainfall was recorded in several coastal areas, including 221 millimeters in Teknaf and 138 millimeters in Chattogram. Water levels in the Sangu, Matamuhuri, Muhuri, Selonia and Feni rivers are currently rising.

According to the Water Development Board’s forecast, water levels in the Halda, Sangu and Matamuhuri rivers could reach warning levels at some locations in Chattogram, Bandarban and Cox’s Bazar districts within the next 24 hours. As a result, low-lying areas along these rivers could experience temporary flooding.

Meanwhile, water levels in the Surma and Kushiyara rivers are falling. However, water levels in some rivers around Fenchuganj, Markuli and Sureshwar in Shariatpur remain close to the warning level.

In addition, coastal rivers in Barishal, Khulna and Chattogram divisions are experiencing tides higher than normal. The situation may continue for the next two days, according to the Water Development Board.