Thunderstorm alert issued for Dhaka and 8 other districts: BMD

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has issued a thunderstorm alert for Dhaka and eight other districts, warning of gusty winds and lightning strikes today (18 May).

In a statement issued today (18 May), the Storm Warning Centre at BMD said between 5:15pm and 9:00pm today, parts of Thakurgaon, Dinajpur, Gaibandha, Cumilla, Dhaka, Gazipur, Jamalpur, Sherpur, and Moulvibazar may experience rain or thundershowers accompanied by temporary gusty or squally winds blowing at speeds of 45-60 km/h or more.

The Met office has advised residents in the affected areas to remain indoors and avoid outdoor activities during this period to prevent lightning-related accidents.

Earlier in the day, BMD also issued a heavy rainfall warning for parts of Rangpur, Mymensingh, and Sylhet divisions.

According to the Storm Warning Centre, heavy (44-88mm/24hrs) to very heavy (>88mm/24hrs) rainfall is likely to occur at places over Rangpur, Mymensingh and Sylhet divisions during the next 72 hours commencing from 6pm today.

"Residents in the affected regions to remain alert and take necessary precautions, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone areas," the Met office said.