After a night of humid weather, Dhaka woke up to heavy rainfall early Wednesday. While the sudden downpour brought some relief, it also caused major inconvenience for commuters during the busy morning hours. Office-goers, students, and workers were among those most affected.

The rain began around 6:45am, slowing traffic on major roads across the city. Waterlogging in low-lying areas forced many people to spend extra time reaching their destinations. Pedestrians were seen taking shelter under shopfronts and building ledges to avoid the rain. 

Those who left home unprepared were drenched, and even people carrying umbrellas faced difficulties as their shoes and clothes got wet.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department said the rainfall was not limited to the capital. At least 17 regions across the country are likely to experience gusty or squally winds.

In a morning forecast, the agency said that regions including Rangpur, Rajshahi, Dhaka, Mymensingh, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram, and Sylhet may experience temporary gusty winds blowing from the west or northwest at speeds of 45 to 60 km/h, accompanied by thunderstorms.

Inland river ports in these regions have been advised to display warning signal number 1.

The adverse weather may continue in northern, central, and coastal areas until 1pm.

Meteorologists noted that such weather is typical in April, when seasonal storms become more active. The sky may remain cloudy throughout the day, with chances of intermittent thunderstorms in different parts of the country.

FP/A