Bangladesh drenched as depression over bay brings non-stop downpour

A seasonal depression over the Bay of Bengal drenched large parts of Bangladesh on Saturday, turning the first day of November into a rare and refreshing “November Rain” day — a phrase that trended across social media as the skies opened over Dhaka and beyond.

According to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD), the capital recorded 32 mm of rain between afternoon and 6 pm, while the highest rainfall — a remarkable 166 mm — was measured in Tarash upazila of Sirajganj.

Rain sweeps across the country

Heavy to very heavy rainfall lashed Dhaka, Sylhet, Mymensingh, Rajshahi and Rangpur, while light to moderate showers were recorded in Chattogram, Khulna and Barishal.
The day began with a humid stillness, but by late afternoon, dark clouds rolled over Dhaka, turning the sky into twilight by 5 pm. Streets glistened under the glow of headlights as vehicles crawled through waterlogged roads, and countless commuters got caught in the sudden downpour without umbrellas.

Depression weakens, more rain ahead

BMD said the well-marked low over south Chhattisgarh and adjoining areas had weakened into a low-pressure area over West Bengal and nearby regions, and was expected to lose further strength.

All maritime ports — Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla and Payra — were advised to lower warning signals as the system moved away.

However, the Met Office warned that another low-pressure area may form over the east-central Bay of Bengal within the next 48 hours, potentially bringing more rain early next week.

Forecast: Cooler days ahead

In its 120-hour forecast, meteorologist Dr Abul Kalam Mallik predicted that light to moderate rain or thundershowers will continue in Rangpur, Rajshahi, Mymensingh, Dhaka, and Sylhet divisions, with occasional moderate to heavy rainfall.

He added that day and night temperatures are likely to drop slightly, bringing a hint of coolness after the week’s warm humidity.

By early next week, most parts of the country will see partly cloudy to dry weather, though light rain may linger over the coastal and eastern regions — especially in Chattogram, Barishal, and Sylhet divisions.

A wet start to November

Meteorologists say this early-November spell — though not unusual — signals the tail end of the monsoon’s withdrawal phase. Yet, for many Dhaka residents drenched in the weekend downpour, it was a welcome change — a sudden, soulful rain that turned the city grey, glistening, and a little nostalgic.