Up to 400mm rainfall forecast in northern and northeastern catchments over the next seven days

The Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC) of the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) has issued a seven-day forecast predicting heavy to very heavy rainfall across the northern and north-eastern regions of Bangladesh and their adjoining upstream Indian territories. The forecast, valid until June 21, warns of substantial precipitation surges, with cumulative rainfall totals potentially reaching between 350mm and 400mm in isolated parts of these catchments.

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multi-agency data from the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD), the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), and various global weather organisations indicate a substantial precipitation surge.

Multi-agency data from meteorological departments in Bangladesh and India, along with global weather organizations, indicate the significant rainfall is expected in the Rangpur, Sylhet, and Mymensingh divisions of Bangladesh, as well as in the neighboring Indian states of West Bengal, Assam, Tripura, and Meghalaya. These areas have already experienced above-normal rainfall in the past week.

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water levels in the Dharla and Dhudkumar rivers are likely to rise rapidly in the next seven days

The forecast highlights potential rapid rises in water levels for several rivers. In the northern part of the country, the Dharla and Dhudkumar rivers are likely to rise rapidly. While water levels in the Brahmaputra-Jamuna river system are expected to remain stable for the next 24 hours before rising, they are projected to stay below their danger levels. However, in the north-eastern systems, primarily the Surma and Kushiyara rivers, water levels have risen and are projected to climb rapidly, potentially reaching warning levels and temporarily submerging low-lying riverside areas in Sylhet and Sunamganj districts.

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water levels in the Brahmaputra-Jamuna river system receded over the last 24 hours. This trend is likely to remain stable for the next 24 hours before witnessing a steady rise over the following nine days.

Water levels in other major rivers across Sylhet and Mymensingh divisions, including the Sarigowain, Jadukata, Someswari, Kangsha, Manu, Dholai, and Khowai, are also expected to experience rapid hydrological rises throughout the week. Meanwhile, the Ganga-Padma river system has seen an increase in water levels, with the Padma river projected to continue rising for the next 10 days, though expected to remain below its danger level.

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water levels in the key north-eastern river systems, primarily the Surma and Kushiyara rivers, rose over the last 24 hours. They are projected to climb rapidly at times, threatening to reach warning level and temporarily submerge low-lying riverside areas in the Sylhet and Sunamganj districts.