May 05 (V7N) - The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has forecast light to moderate rain or thunder showers across several divisions over the next 24 hours, beginning Tuesday morning.  

According to a Met office bulletin, rainfall accompanied by gusty or squally winds and lightning is likely in Rangpur, Khulna, Barishal, Mymensingh, and Sylhet divisions, with scattered showers possible in Dhaka, Rajshahi, and Chattogram. Moderately heavy rainfall may occur in some areas. A trough of low pressure persists from West Bengal to the North Bay, while day and night temperatures are expected to remain nearly unchanged.  

On Monday, the highest temperature was recorded at 35.2°C in Satkhira under Khulna division, while the lowest was 20.5°C in Tetulia under Rangpur division. In Dhaka, the sun will set at 6:29 pm today and rise at 5:21 am tomorrow.  

Meanwhile, Dhaka ranked as the world’s most polluted city Tuesday morning, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 169 at 10:00 am, categorized as “unhealthy.” Kuwait City followed with 157, and Delhi with 155. AQI readings between 151 and 200 are considered unhealthy, posing significant risks to public health, especially for vulnerable groups.  

Bangladesh’s AQI is measured based on five pollutants: PM10, PM2.5, nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), and ozone. Dhaka has long struggled with air pollution, which typically worsens in winter and improves during the monsoon season.  

Globally, air pollution is a major health threat. The World Health Organization estimates it causes around seven million deaths annually, linked to stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and respiratory infections.  

END/AJ/RH