Season’s first heavy rain hits north Bangladesh

The northern region of Bangladesh witnessed the first heavy rainfall of the year today, with Rangpur and Kurigram’s Rajarhat upazila recording significant showers.

According to Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD), Rangpur received 44 mm of rain until 6:00 am, with an additional two mm by 9:00 am. Rajarhat in Kurigram saw the highest rainfall, totalling 57 mm by 9:00 am.

Other areas in the country's north reported substantial rainfall over 24 hours, including Saidpur (20 mm), Lalmonirhat (19 mm), Thakurgaon (15 mm), and Gaibandha (12 mm).

Local weather offices in Bogura, Rajshahi, and neighbouring districts recorded light rain accompanied by thunder.

The downpour has raised concerns among farmers as the peak potato harvesting season is underway.

In Joypurhat, Bogura, and Gaibandha, rainwater has stagnated in fields, threatening the crop.

Md. Naim Islam, a farmer from Biyala village in Kalai upazila, Joypurhat, said, "The rain, lightning, and storm started late at [last] night. I have 1.5 acres of potatoes stacked in the field. I had to rush at dawn to drain water and build soil embankments around the piles. Many fields are now waterlogged."

Speaking to The Daily Star, BMD meteorologist Md. Omar Faruq said, "Rangpur and Kurigram experienced the first heavy rainfall this year. Storms, rain, and hailstorms are likely to continue in various parts of the country until March 17, after which the trend may decrease. This is the season for Kalboishakhi storms, and such rainfall across the country is normal for this period."