Drizzle, gusty winds bring relief to sweltering Dhaka
As the relentless heat wave gripped Bangladesh, an unexpected spell of drizzle accompanied by gusty winds swept across several parts of the country, including the capital Dhaka, on Saturday evening (April 5).
The sudden weather shift drenched highways and streets, offering a brief respite from the scorching temperatures that have dominated public life in recent days.
The prelude to the evening’s rain began with a thick blanket of black clouds cloaking the Dhaka skyline.
By late afternoon, the air grew heavy, and the first whispers of gusty winds signalled an impending downpour. By 7:00pm, light drizzles turned into steady showers, cooling the city’s sun-scorched roads and rooftops.
For many residents, the rain was a double-edged sword. Pedestrians caught off guard scrambled for cover, their clothes soaked and plans disrupted. Yet, amidst the chaos, others welcomed the unanticipated relief. “It’s been unbearable with this heat,” said one commuter. “Even if it’s inconvenient, at least the rain brings some coolness.”
Earlier in the day, the Bangladesh Meteorological Department had issued a weather advisory valid until 1 am on Sunday morning. The forecast warned of rain or thundershowers accompanied by gusty or squally winds reaching speeds of 45-60 km/h in several regions, including Jessore, Kushtia, Khulna, Faridpur, Dhaka, Tangail, and Sylhet.
River ports in these areas were instructed to hoist warning signal 1, cautioning vessels about the possibility of turbulent conditions.
While the alert primarily targeted maritime activities, its implications rippled through daily life, reminding citizens of nature’s unpredictability during seasonal transitions.
In Dhaka, the bustling metropolis where summer heat often feels suffocating, reactions to the rain were as varied as the city itself. Office-goers rushing home found themselves drenched, clutching bags and umbrellas against the wind-driven drizzle. Street vendors hastily packed up their goods, while rickshaw-pullers sought shelter under tin roofs.
Yet, not all faces bore expressions of frustration. Children laughed as puddles formed on the streets, splashing carelessly despite parental reprimands. Some elderly residents sat on verandas, sipping tea and watching the spectacle unfold – a rare moment of calm in a city that rarely pauses.
While the drizzle provided fleeting comfort, meteorologists caution that the reprieve may be short-lived. The ongoing heat wave shows no immediate signs of abating, and humidity levels are expected to rise once again after the rain subsides. For now, however, the gusty winds and drizzle serve as a reminder of nature’s power to disrupt—and occasionally soothe—even the most sweltering of days.
As Dhaka dries off and readies itself for another week under the sun, residents remain hopeful that such interludes will become more frequent, softening the harsh edges of what promises to be a challenging summer ahead.
