Persistent rain waterlogged large parts of Dhaka for the second consecutive morning today (13 July), disrupting traffic and causing widespread suffering for commuters, as the weather office warned that intermittent rainfall is likely to continue throughout the day.

Several major roads and residential streets across the capital went underwater, slowing traffic and making movement difficult in many areas.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) said monsoon conditions remain active over the country and forecast light to moderate rain or thundershowers with temporary gusty winds at most places in Dhaka division.

It also warned of moderately heavy to very heavy rainfall at places across Dhaka and several other divisions.

According to BMD, 97mm of rainfall was recorded in Dhaka in the 24 hours until 6am today. Although only 1mm of rain fell between midnight and 6am, rainfall intensified after 7am and is expected to continue intermittently throughout the day under overcast skies.

The weather office said day temperatures may fall slightly while night temperatures are likely to remain nearly unchanged.

Waterlogging was reported on several major roads, disrupting traffic across different parts of the city.

According to a traffic advisory issued by the Dhaka Metropolitan Police's Gulshan Traffic Division, water accumulated on both carriageways near Dhaka Gate after Banani Graveyard, slowing vehicle movement.

Traffic also slowed at the Banani-Kakoli Elevated Expressway ramp due to waterlogging, while rainwater on the road in front of Jamuna Future Park, combined with Dhaka WASA pipeline works, created congestion in the area.

In the ECB area in front of Cantonment Girls' School, accumulated rainwater forced vehicles travelling from Mirpur DOHS and Kalshi towards the Matikata Flyover to move slowly.

The traffic division urged motorists to use alternative routes where possible and allow extra travel time because rainfall may continue to disrupt traffic.

The latest disruption comes a day after heavy rain inundated many parts of the capital yesterday, causing severe traffic congestion and leaving commuters stranded on roads submerged by rainwater.

Heavy downpour likely over 6 divisions

BMD forecasted that heavy rainfall may occur at places over Rangpur, Rajshahi, Mymensingh, Dhaka, Chattogram and Sylhet divisions today.

"Under the influence of active monsoon, heavy (44-88 mm/24hours) to very heavy (>88 mm/ 24hours) rainfall is likely to occur at places over Rangpur, Rajshahi, Mymensingh, Dhaka, Chattogram and Sylhet divisions during the next 24 hours commencing at 11 am today," said a heavy rainfall warning issued by the weather office.

Due to heavy to very heavy rainfall, temporary waterlogging may occur at places over Dhaka metropolitan areas, it said.

FP/A