Dhaka dwellers welcomed the first day of monsoon today with light showers and thunderbolts.

Today is the first day of Bangla month Ashar, and the welcome rain offered city dwellers a big relief from the scorching heat.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department forecast that light to moderate rain and thunder showers accompanied by temporary gusty wind is likely to occur at different places, including the capital, across the country commencing from 6:00am on Friday.

Performers at the programme arranged by Udichi on the occasion of the first day of monsoon at Bangla Academy. Photo: Palash Khan

It forecast rains at most places over Chattogram and Sylhet divisions at a few places over Rangpur, Dhaka, Mymensingh and Barishal divisions, and at one or two places over Khulna and Rajshahi divisions with moderately heavy to heavy falls at places over Chattogram and Sylhet divisions.

Photo: Palash Khan

The Met office also said mild to moderate heat wave has been sweeping over Rajshahi, Rangpur and Khulna divisions and it may abate at some places.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh Udichi Shilpigoshthi, one of the leading cultural organisations of the country, arranged a programme at the Bangla Academy premises today to mark the first day of monsoon.

Dressed in the classic monsoon colours of blue and white, performers enthralled the audience.