Bangladesh’s Meteorological Department said a new low-pressure area may form over the central Bay of Bengal on August 10 and later deepen into a depression. Its effects could bring heavy to very heavy rainfall across the country from August 14. Meteorologist Dr Omar Faruk said rain would continue nationwide on Thursday, then ease from Friday through August 9 before increasing again on August 10 and 11.

Active monsoon conditions brought rain across Bangladesh on Wednesday and may continue on Thursday. The Bangladesh Weather Observation Team said a partial rain belt called “Nirjhar” could make rainfall most intense on Thursday. By 6 pm Wednesday, Netrokona recorded the highest rainfall at 141 millimetres, followed by Hatiya with 140 millimetres and Cox’s Bazar with 136 millimetres.

The department forecast rain or thundershowers with gusty winds in most places across all eight divisions on Thursday, with moderately heavy to heavy falls in some areas. Water levels at Dalia on the Teesta and Fenchuganj on the Kushiyara were above danger levels. The Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre warned of flood risks in several districts within 24 to 48 hours and possible inundation of low-lying areas in several basins within 48 to 120 hours.