After weeks of relentless heat and a prolonged dry spell, rain finally brought long-awaited relief to Dhaka. The city, exhausted from soaring temperatures and dry air, welcomed the downpour with open arms. Yet, while the showers provided a break from the oppressive heat, they also brought the city's chronic weaknesses back into focus.
Scattered rain and thundershowers were reported across all eight divisions of the country, offering a much-needed change in weather. However, in Dhaka, the welcome rainfall quickly transformed into a source of frustration. Waterlogged roads, massive traffic congestion, and widespread delays disrupted daily life. Commuters faced immense difficulty navigating the streets, often forced to wade through stagnant water or walk long distances when vehicles became immobile.
This pattern has become all too familiar. Each time the skies open up, the capital seems caught off guard. Poor drainage systems fail to cope with even moderate rainfall, turning roads into temporary rivers. The situation raises questions about urban planning and the effectiveness of investments in infrastructure. For a rapidly growing city with increasing demands, such recurring scenes point to deeper systemic failures.
Adding to the chaos, many commuters had to deal with inflated fares charged by rickshaw and auto-rickshaw drivers, exploiting a situation that left few alternatives. Those on foot struggled to navigate submerged streets, facing both physical discomfort and potential health hazards. These challenges, while sparked by weather, are made worse by long-standing neglect and short-term thinking.
According to the meteorological forecast, similar weather is expected to continue through the weekend. Temporary gusty winds, lightning, scattered thunderstorms, and even hail are likely in some regions. While daytime temperatures may dip slightly, nighttime temperatures are expected to remain mostly unchanged until a possible slight increase by Saturday. These conditions are being driven by a trough of low pressure over West Bengal and surrounding areas, combined with seasonal lows in the Bay of Bengal.
The shift in weather brings not just momentary comfort but also a stark reminder: Dhaka remains ill-equipped to handle natural changes, no matter how routine. Climate variability is becoming more pronounced, and cities must adapt with urgency. Improved drainage, better transport infrastructure, and climate-resilient planning must become priorities, not just talking points.
Rain should be a blessing, not a burden. Until the capital can manage it without disruption, progress will remain incomplete. The relief offered by this change in weather must now inspire renewed focus on long-term solutions.
