Bangladesh received 36 percent more rainfall than normal in July, the Meteorological Department said in a report published on August 1. Although normal rainfall had been forecast at the beginning of the month, several regions recorded substantially more precipitation than expected. Chattogram division received the highest rainfall among the country’s divisions.

Meteorologist AKM Nazmul Haque said July is usually Bangladesh’s wettest month, with average rainfall of about 557 millimetres. After June recorded 29.4 percent less rain than normal, July rainfall increased above the seasonal average. All divisions except Mymensingh received above-normal rainfall. Chattogram recorded 1,047 millimetres against a normal average of 692 millimetres, an excess of 51 percent. Final figures were due after Sunday’s monthly meeting.

The weather office forecast rain or thunderstorms with gusty winds on Sunday in many places in Rangpur, Mymensingh and Sylhet, and in some places elsewhere. Heavy to very heavy rain is possible in parts of those three divisions through Tuesday. Rainfall may increase in Dhaka and Rajshahi divisions from August 5, though prolonged heavy to very heavy rain like last month is not currently expected.