Bangladesh rainfall 35.6% above normal in July

Bangladesh recorded rainfall 35.6 percent above normal in July, driven by active monsoon winds, low-pressure systems, and depressions over the Bay of Bengal, according to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD). The country experienced an average of 666mm of rain during the month, a substantial increase from the normal monthly average of 457mm, with an average of 25 rainy days compared to the usual 21.

All divisions, except Mymensingh where rainfall was close to normal, experienced above-average precipitation. Khulna saw the highest increase, with 53 percent above normal rainfall (554mm over 23 days). Chattogram followed with 51 percent above normal (1,047mm over 26 days), while Sylhet recorded 37.3 percent above normal (736mm over 28 days). Dhaka received 33.4 percent more rain than usual (495mm over 25 days).

The excessive rainfall was attributed to three low-pressure systems that formed in the Bay of Bengal, two of which intensified into depressions. The highest single-day rainfall was recorded in Ambagan, Chattogram, with 329mm on July 8. The country's highest temperature in July reached 37.6 degrees Celsius in Rangpur.

Looking ahead to August, the BMD predicts near-normal overall rainfall. However, day and night temperatures are expected to remain above average. The department also forecasts isolated mild to moderate heatwaves and anticipates that water levels in major river systems will rise, potentially leading to short-term flooding in northern, northeastern, and southeastern regions.