Bangladesh experienced significantly higher rainfall than usual in October, with the Barishal Division recording nearly five times its normal rainfall, according to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD).
The BMD said the average rainfall for October in Barishal is typically 227 mm, but this year the division recorded 1,298 mm of rainfall.
Across the country, October saw 35.6% above-normal rainfall. Rainfall was above normal in the Barishal, Mymensingh, Rangpur, and Rajshahi divisions; normal in Dhaka; and below normal in the remaining divisions.
Explaining the unusual pattern, Dr Md Bazlur Rashid, meteorologist at the BMD, told The Business Standard, "October usually sees less rainfall than the preceding months, but this year the pattern changed. Barishal experienced heavy to very heavy rainfall in the first week of October, and within just two to three days, the division recorded unusually high totals."
He added that the southwest monsoon withdrew from Rajshahi, Rangpur, Dhaka, Mymensingh, and Khulna divisions on 13 October, and from the entire country on 14 October 2025.
The BMD noted that due to active monsoon conditions (1–10 October) and the influence of severe cyclone Montha, heavy (44–88 mm in 24 hours) to very heavy (>88 mm in 24 hours) rainfall occurred across several regions.
The highest single-day rainfall was recorded in Tetulia at 162mm on 31 October.
During the month, the highest temperature was 36.5°C in Feni (21–22 October), while the lowest was 19.9°C in Tetulia (14 October). The maximum, minimum, and mean temperatures were all above normal by 1.3°C, 0.9°C, and 1.1°C, respectively. Agro-meteorological and river conditions also remained consistent with forecasts.
According to BMD's long-range forecast for November, two to three low-pressure systems may form over the Bay of Bengal, with one possibly intensifying into a depression or cyclone.
In October, Dhaka recorded 169 mm of rainfall, which is 5.2% above normal, while Rajshahi saw 32%, Rangpur 43%, and Mymensingh 13% more rainfall than usual.