Cox’s Bazar turned lively under a romantic rainy atmosphere on Sunday as cloudy skies and intermittent drizzle brought relief after days of intense heat.
A visit to Kolatoli, Sugandha and Laboni points of the sea beach showed large numbers of tourists gathering despite the unfavourable weather.
Some tourists were seen enjoying the sea waves, while others spent time taking photographs along the rain-soaked shoreline.
Only a day earlier, Cox’s Bazar recorded the highest temperature of the season, causing severe discomfort in public life.
The intense heat had affected both local residents and tourists.
However, rainfall and overcast skies since early Sunday restored a sense of comfort across the coastal town.
Assistant Meteorologist Abdul Hannan of the Bangladesh Meteorological Department said that Cox’s Bazar recorded 49 millimetres of rainfall in the 24 hours until 9:00am on Sunday.
He also said rainfall was likely to continue on Sunday and Monday.
According to the weather office, the district recorded a maximum temperature of 36.0 degrees Celsius on Saturday, the highest temperature so far this season.
Tourists and local residents expressed excitement over the pleasant weather at the beach.
Tourist Tanvir Hasan, who travelled from Dhaka, said the intense heat over the previous days had made it difficult to go outdoors.
“But today’s weather is truly enjoyable. Watching the sea in the rain has a unique beauty,” he said.
Local trader Abul Kashem said tourist numbers had declined significantly during the recent heatwave.
“After the change in weather, tourists are returning to the beach again. If such weather continues, the tourism business will regain momentum,” he said.
People associated with the tourism sector also believe that the number of visitors may increase further over the next few days if the cloudy and rainy weather persists.
Meanwhile, lifeguards continued performing duties to ensure tourist safety despite the adverse weather conditions.
Senior lifeguard Mohammad Osman said lifeguard members remained on alert at Kolatoli, Sugandha and Laboni points.
Sources concerned also said patrol activities by the Tourist Police were continuing across the beach area.
By Abdu Rashid Manik
Photo: Abdu Rashid Manik
