With a 10-day Eid-ul-Azha holiday starting Thursday, people across the country have already begun their journey for home from different cities and towns.
While the mass exodus is expected to gain full momentum from Thursday, the ongoing rainfall has added a layer of concern for holidaymakers.
Despite a slight decrease in rainfall over recent days, moderate to heavy showers continue to affect most parts of the country. This has left many wondering how smooth or troublesome the upcoming Eid travel may be.
According to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD), the south-west monsoon is currently moderately active over Bangladesh and moderately strong over the North Bay of Bengal.
In its forecast for the 24 hours from 9:00am today, the BMD has indicated that many areas in Mymensingh and Sylhet divisions, some parts of Rangpur, Dhaka and Chattogram divisions, and isolated areas of Rajshahi, Khulna and Barishal divisions may experience temporary gusty winds accompanied by light to moderate rain or thunderstorms.
Besides, there is a possibility of moderately heavy rainfall in some parts of Mymensingh and Chattogram divisions, and moderate to very heavy rainfall in isolated areas of the Sylhet division.
Tomorrow, most regions are expected to continue experiencing rainfall.
The forecast suggests many areas in Sylhet division; some places in Rangpur, Mymensingh, Dhaka, Barishal and Chattogram divisions; and isolated spots in Rajshahi and Khulna divisions may receive light to moderate rain or thundershowers with temporary gusty winds. Sylhet division, in particular, may witness moderate to heavy showers in some locations.
Looking further ahead, the three-day period from Thursday to Saturday (Eid day) is expected to see a gradual decline in rainfall. While the monsoon conditions will remain active, the likelihood of rainfall will diminish.
Scattered areas across the country may still experience temporary gusty winds along with light to moderate rain or thundershowers during this period.
This suggests that although the beginning of the Eid travel rush may be marked by some disruptions due to rain, conditions are likely to improve gradually as the weekend progresses.
What about heat?
Despite the rain, temperatures have not dropped significantly everywhere.
According to BMD, Dhaka recorded a temperature of 24.6°C at 6:00am today. However, a mild heatwave is currently sweeping over the Khulna division. Yesterday, the highest temperature in the country was recorded in Satkhira at 37.2°C.
The meteorological department has indicated that the temperature in Khulna and surrounding areas may rise further over the next 24 hours, even amidst rainfall. But, the rest of the country could see a slight drop in temperature over the next two days due to continued rainfall.
That said, once the rainfall starts to subside, temperatures are expected to climb again.
The BMD has forecast that heat levels will increase even further after Eid, suggesting that while post-Eid travel may face less rain-related disruption, it could be accompanied by rising temperatures.
Travellers are expected to brace for a somewhat uncomfortable start to the holiday rush due to ongoing showers. But there is some relief on the horizon, with conditions likely to improve gradually and clearer skies expected in the days following Eid.
