Bangladesh Braces for Up to Ten Cold Waves This Winter
The people of Bangladesh may be affected by a series of cold waves this winter season. The long-term forecast from the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) suggests that at least ten cold waves may sweep across different regions of the country between November and January. Three of these could turn severe.
In the seasonal forecast published on Sunday night, the BMD indicated that this winter may be longer and colder than usual. Alongside cold waves, fluctuations in fog, rainfall, and temperature will impact the daily lives of people in the northern and central regions of the country.
Forecast Details
• Rainfall: Meteorologist Mominul Islam stated that the country may experience slightly higher than normal rainfall between November and January.
• Low Pressure/Cyclones: Two to four low-pressure systems may form in the Bay of Bengal, two of which could potentially turn into cyclones.
• Temperature Drop: Temperatures are expected to start falling across various regions from now on.
Cold Wave Projections
The forecast predicts:
• Mild to Moderate Cold Waves: Four to seven cold waves of mild to moderate intensity may occur, where temperatures could drop as low as 6°C.
• Severe Cold Waves: Two to three severe cold waves are likely to sweep through the northwestern, northeastern, and central regions.
• Lowest Temperature: During the severe cold waves, the mercury could drop to as low as 4°C.
November Outlook
• Rainfall: Higher than normal rainfall is expected in November.
• Bay Systems: Three low-pressure systems may form in the Bay of Bengal during this month, with one potentially developing into a depression or a cyclone.
• Temperature Trend: Both day and night temperatures will gradually start to fall this month.
Peak Winter and Most Affected Areas
The BMD indicates that the impact of winter may be felt most intensely in the northern and Himalayan-flanked areas. The seasonal forecast suggests that the coldest period of the season will likely be from mid-December to the first week of January. During this time, moderate to severe cold waves will affect most parts of the country.
Meteorologists believe that the northern and western districts—including Panchagarh, Thakurgaon, Dinajpur, Rangpur, Kurigram, Naogaon, Natore, and Rajshahi—may be the most severely affected by the cold this winter.
