Bangladesh sees unseasonal showers as monsoon withdrawal delayed
Rains may continue until mid-October, says meteorologist
Unseasonal rains have continued across Bangladesh over the past several days, disrupting normal life and prompting questions about the unusual weather pattern.
"The rains are continuing because the monsoon axis is passing over Bangladesh this time. The rainfall could continue until mid-October," Meteorologist Mohammad Shahidul Islam told UNB.
He said monsoon typically enters Bangladesh in June and withdraws by mid-October. "This year, its axis is still passing over the country, causing continued showers."
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He added that once the monsoon withdraws, weather conditions generally turn dry.
Regarding how this year's rainfall compares to previous years, Islam said, "On average, there is no significant difference from last year. Data shows that June saw below-average rainfall, July above average, and August and September normal rainfall, though complete annual figures are not yet available."
According to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, total rainfall in October could reach 260 to 270 millimetres, above the normal 167 millimetres.
A Met Office bulletin also predicted rainfall across the country, including the capital Dhaka, over the next five days from Saturday.
The axis of the monsoon trough runs through Bihar, West Bengal, to Assam across the Southern part of Bangladesh. One of its associated troughs extends up to North Bay. Monsoon is fairly active over Bangladesh and weak to moderate over the North Bay, said the bulletin.
"Light to moderate rain/thunder showers accompanied by temporary gusty wind is likely to occur at many places over Chattogram & Sylhet divisions and at a few places over Mymensingh, Dhaka, Khulna & Barishal divisions and one or two places over Rangpur & Rajshahi divisions with moderately heavy to heavy falls at places over Mymensingh, Dhaka, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram & Sylhet divisions," it said in a forecast for 24 hours from 9am today (11 October).
Bangladesh's monsoon season usually spans the Bengali months of Asharh and Shraban, corresponding roughly to June through September in the Gregorian calendar.
