Bangladesh’s Meteorological Department said Saturday that a new low-pressure system has formed over the Bay of Bengal, with rainfall likely to increase nationwide after August 12. Another low-pressure system could bring heavy to very heavy rain across the country from August 15 for several days. The system was located over the southwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining north Odisha coast.

Meteorologist Dr Abul Kalam Mallik said rainfall may remain relatively limited for the next three to four days under the influence of monsoon winds and the low pressure, before increasing on August 12 or 13. He said rain in the capital is unlikely before August 15, apart from occasional light showers. In the 24 hours ending 6pm Saturday, Dhaka recorded one millimetre of rain, while Bhola recorded the highest total, 74 millimetres.

The Kushiyara River was flowing above the danger level at Fenchuganj in Sylhet, although flooding in adjacent low-lying areas may remain stable over the next 24 to 48 hours. Water levels in the Brahmaputra-Jamuna are rising and may cross warning levels in several districts, prompting authorities to urge caution in river basins.