Dhaka, Mar 2 (V7N) –Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Brunei, and Japan have declared that Ramadan will commence on Saturday. In Bangladesh, the National Moon Sighting Committee is scheduled to meet at the Islamic Foundation's Baitul Mukarram office at 6 pm on Saturday after the Maghrib prayer. If the crescent moon is sighted, fasting will begin on Sunday.

As Ramadan begins, many are curious about the expected weather conditions in Bangladesh during this period.

Typically, March marks the onset of hot weather in the country, and since Ramadan is also starting at the beginning of this month, the heat is expected to be intense. April is generally the hottest month, meaning March may already bring significant warmth, according to meteorologists. Additionally, global temperatures have been rising in recent years.

This year, meteorologists have forecast that, along with high temperatures, Bangladesh may experience thunderstorms, hail, and cyclones in March.

According to a 72-hour weather forecast starting Saturday, the Meteorological Department has predicted dry conditions across the country on that day. However, some areas in the Sylhet Division might experience temporary gusty winds accompanied by rain or thunderstorms. Rain is also expected in the Sylhet and Chittagong divisions on Sunday.

Over the next five days, temperatures are likely to drop across the country.

Meteorologists predict that during the first ten days of March, the sky may remain partly cloudy to cloudy in various regions, particularly on March 4, 6, and 7.

On March 4, some areas in the Rajshahi, Rangpur, and Khulna Divisions could experience light rainfall. Similarly, on March 6 and 7, light to moderate rain is expected in some areas of the Khulna and Barisal Divisions.

Thunderstorms may occur in the western parts of Rajshahi and Khulna on March 4, while on March 6 and 7, parts of Khulna Division could also experience similar conditions.

Strong gusty winds, reaching speeds of 40-60 km/h, may affect Rajshahi, Chapainawabganj, Kushtia, and surrounding areas on March 4. The weather throughout the week is expected to be extreme, with hot days and cool nights.

Between March 11 and 20, the sky is likely to remain mostly clear, though some areas may experience cloudy conditions on March 15 and 16. During this period, significant rainfall is unlikely, but light showers may occur in northern regions on those days.

Additionally, mild heat waves may develop in Rajshahi and Khulna Divisions on March 18, 19, and 20, while the western and northern parts of the country may experience cooler nights.

From March 21 to 31, many areas will have partly cloudy skies, with increased cloud cover towards the month's end. After March 25, moderate to heavy rainfall is expected in several parts of the country, along with intense thunderstorms in Rajshahi, Khulna, Rangpur, Dhaka, and Sylhet Divisions.

Moreover, there is a possibility of moderate to severe Kalbaishakhi storms, with wind speeds ranging from 60 to 90 km/h. Between March 21 and 25, mild to moderate heat waves may affect parts of Rajshahi, Khulna, and Rangpur Divisions.

End/SD/RH