Dhaka, Apr 23 (V7N) — After days of intense heat, the Bangladesh Meteorological Department has forecast slight relief from the ongoing Baishakh drought. Over the next five days, parts of the country are expected to experience rain and thunderstorms, with a gradual drop in temperature.

According to the 120-hour forecast issued at 9 a.m. Wednesday, a low-pressure system is stretching from West Bengal through southwestern Bangladesh to the northern Bay of Bengal. This system is expected to bring rain and a slight cooling trend across the country.

Wednesday (April 23): Thunderstorms and gusty winds are likely in Sylhet, Rangpur, Dhaka, and Mymensingh divisions, along with isolated rain in Comilla and Noakhali. The rest of the country will remain mainly dry with partly cloudy skies. A mild heat wave continues over Rajshahi, Pabna, Jessore, and Chuadanga, with a possibility of expansion.

Thursday (April 24): Temporary gusty winds and thunderstorms may occur in Sylhet, and isolated areas of Dhaka, Mymensingh, and Chattogram. Other regions will stay mostly dry. Temperatures are expected to remain steady.

Friday (April 25): Thunderstorms are likely in Sylhet and isolated areas of Rangpur, Dhaka, Mymensingh, and Chattogram. Other regions will stay partly cloudy and dry, with little temperature change.

Saturday (April 26): Rain and thundershowers with gusty winds are forecast in Mymensingh and Sylhet, and isolated areas of Rangpur, Rajshahi, Dhaka, Khulna, Barisal, and Chattogram. A slight drop in daytime temperatures is expected.

Sunday (April 27): Rain and thunderstorms are expected in Dhaka, Mymensingh, Khulna, and Sylhet, with isolated rain in Rangpur, Rajshahi, Barisal, and Chattogram. Daytime temperatures may dip slightly, while nighttime temperatures remain steady.

The brief return of rain is expected to provide much-needed relief to farmers and residents as the country battles the seasonal heatwave.

END/MSS/AJ