Met office forecasts much-awaited rain in parts of country

Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) predicted that rain or thundershowers accompanied by temporary gusty or squally wind is likely to occur at different parts of the country, which is certain to bring respite from the severe heatwave, that was sweeping over the country for more than past 48 hours.

"Rain or thundershowers accompanied by temporary gusty or squally wind is likely to occur at a few places over Dhaka, Mymensingh, Khulna, Chattogram and Sylhet divisions and at one or two places over Rajshahi, Rangpur and Barishal divisions with hails at isolated places, in the next 24 hours commencing 9am today," said a met office weather bulletin on Saturday morning.

"Mild to moderate heatwave is sweeping over Rajshahi, Rangpur, Dhaka, Mymensingh, Khulna and Barishal divisions and the districts of Moulvibazar, Rangamati, Chandpur and Feni and it may abate. Day temperature may fall by 1-2 degrees Celsius and night temperature may remain nearly unchanged over the country," it added.

However, as an extended outlook for the next five days, the bulletin also predicted that a low pressure area is likely to form over the Bay of Bengal.

Earlier on May 15, the met office issued a heatwave alert for 48 hours in Rajshahi, Rangpur, Khulna, Dhaka and Barishal divisions.

Country's maximum temperature on Friday was recorded 39.6 degrees Celsius at Chuadanga and today's minimum temperature 22.0 degrees Celsius was recorded at Srimangal.

Rainfall for the last 24 hours till 6am today was recorded 108mm at Sylhet.

The sun sets at 6:36 pm today and rises at 5:14 am tomorrow in the capital.