Unexpected rain offers brief respite in Dhaka, affects commute

DE Online Report
Dhaka residents experienced a welcome break from the persistent heat on Tuesday afternoon as light rainfall swept through the city, offering a cool reprieve.
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) recorded a modest one millimetre of rainfall from 3:15 pm to 6:00 pm, according to meteorologist AKM Nazmul Haque.
Haque highlighted that March through May serves as the pre-monsoon season, a time when approximately 18% of the annual rainfall occurs. He added, “Light to moderate rains are expected to continue over the next three days.” The sudden downpour caught many off guard, particularly those commuting for work, leading to delays as people sought shelter at Metro Rail stations and various city spots.
Julhas Alam, stuck at the National Press Club for 40 minutes, shared his mixed feelings about the rain’s timing, saying that it was refreshing, though it made him late for work. Siam, a student at Stamford University, welcomed the rain despite minor inconveniences, “The sudden rain is pleasant, but my bag and important documents got wet.” For Omar Faruk, an Uber driver, the rain meant reduced earnings, “I’ve only earned Tk 400 till the afternoon.”