Rainfall is likely to increase across the country over the next five days as the southwest monsoon advances further inland, bringing widespread rain and thunderstorms and providing relief from the ongoing heat wave in many areas.

According to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD), a trough extending from West Bengal to the North Bay remains active, while the southwest monsoon is expected to advance up to the Cox’s Bazar coast within the next 48 hours.

The weather office said light to moderate rain or thunder showers accompanied by temporary gusty or squally winds and lightning flashes are expected in different parts of the country throughout the forecast period ending 10 June.

For the next 24 hours, BMD forecast light to moderate rain or thunder showers accompanied by temporary gusty or squally winds and lightning flashes at a few places over Rangpur, Rajshahi, Dhaka, Mymensingh, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram and Sylhet divisions, with moderately heavy falls at places over the country.

The ongoing mild to moderate heat wave affecting Rajshahi, Khulna and Barishal divisions and several districts, including Dhaka, Tangail, Faridpur, Chandpur, Noakhali and Rangamati, may subside in some areas as rainfall increases.

Day and night temperatures may fall slightly over the country. Due to increased moisture incursion, discomfort may persist.

The highest temperature on Thursday was recorded at 38.6 degrees Celsius in Dinajpur under Rangpur division and Jashore under Khulna division, while today’s minimum temperature was 22.7 degrees Celsius in Sylhet.

The sun sets at 6:43pm on Friday and rises at 5:11am on Saturday in Dhaka.

From 6 to 7 June, rainfall is expected to become more widespread, particularly over Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram, Sylhet, Dhaka and Mymensingh divisions. The BMD forecast also indicates moderately heavy to heavy rainfall at places across the country during this period.

Temperatures are likely to remain nearly unchanged initially before declining slightly as cloud cover and rainfall increase.

On 8 June, scattered rainfall activity is expected to continue, especially in the southern and eastern regions, with moderately heavy falls possible in some places.

The weather situation is likely to become more active on 9 June as many areas in Mymensingh and Sylhet divisions may experience light to moderate rain or thunder showers, while moderately heavy to very heavy rainfall is forecast at places in the two divisions.

Some rainfall is also expected in Rangpur, Dhaka, Rajshahi, Khulna, Barishal and Chattogram divisions.

Meteorologists said day and night temperatures may rise slightly towards the end of the forecast period, although rainfall activity is expected to remain significant.

The BMD’s outlook for the next five days suggests a further increase in rainfall activity across the country as monsoon conditions strengthen.