Met Office issues thunderstorm alert for several districts

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has issued a thunderstorm alert for multiple districts, warning of gusty or squally winds and lightning accompanied by rain.

The advisory, released this morning (21 April), forecasts temporary gusts reaching 45–60 kilometres per hour or more across several parts of the country.

According to the warning, between 8:00am and the next two to four hours, districts including Rangpur, Dinajpur, Bogura, Tangail, Mymensingh, Dhaka, Faridpur, Madaripur, Jashore, Kushtia, Khulna, Barishal, Patuakhali, Noakhali, Barguna, Bhola, Feni, Cumilla, Brahmanbaria and Chattogram may experience sudden thunderstorms, lightning, and rainfall accompanied by gusty or squally winds.

To reduce the risk during lightning, the Met Office has issued several precautionary guidelines.

People are advised to remain indoors during lightning activity and to keep doors and windows securely shut.

Travel should be avoided where possible during this period.

The warning also urges citizens not to seek shelter under trees and to avoid lying on concrete floors or leaning against concrete walls during thunderstorms.

Besides, it is recommended to unplug all electrical and electronic devices during such weather conditions.

Those in or near waterbodies are advised to move to safety immediately.

The department also warned the public to maintain distance from all conductive materials and to remain indoors during any hailstorms.

The Met Office continues to monitor the situation and advises the public to stay alert and follow safety instructions to minimise risks during these adverse weather conditions.