Bangladesh is currently facing its first tangible cold wave of the season, with temperatures dropping sharply across various regions.  According to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD), a mild cold wave is sweeping over the northern and western districts, including Panchagarh, Rajshahi, Jashore, and Chuadanga.  This weather pattern is expected to persist over the coming days, accompanied by dense fog in many areas. The Meteorological Office reported that the lowest temperatures were recorded in northern districts, with conditions expected to remain challenging through mid-December.  Lalmonirhat shivers in cold weather The cold wave is being driven by the extended influence of the subcontinental high-pressure area over the West Bay of Bengal and adjoining areas.  Meanwhile, the low-pressure system in the South Bay of Bengal, extending toward the North Bay, continues to influence local weather patterns. International weather agencies have corroborated the forecasts, noting that Bangladesh is currently experiencing below-average seasonal temperatures.  Historical data indicates that December lows in the country typically range from 15°C to 19°C, while current readings in several districts have dropped to single digits, with Tetulia and Chuadanga recording some of the coldest temperatures. Looking ahead, the BMD forecasts that nighttime temperatures may decrease slightly over the next three days, while daytime temperatures may rise marginally.  Cold weather grips Kurigram as temperature drops to 16 degrees Celsius Moderate to dense fog is expected to persist during the early hours, especially in northern and central regions. By Tuesday,  both day and night temperatures may see a slight increase, offering some relief from the current cold spell. International agencies also predict drier weather conditions in Bangladesh through December, with no significant rainfall expected.  This is consistent with the seasonal pattern, as December typically experiences the lowest rainfall of the year.  Weather models further suggest that the extended high-pressure system over the region may keep temperatures suppressed until late December. As cold weather continues, Dhaka’s air quality still ‘unhealthy’ Residents are advised to take precautions against the cold, particularly during nighttime and early morning hours.  Vulnerable populations, including children and the elderly, are urged to avoid prolonged exposure to the cold.

Mild to moderate cold wave is sweeping over parts of the country and it may continue for two to three days more, said Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) on Saturday (January 21, 2023). Monwar Hossain, a meteorologist of BMD, said temperatures may rise after Tuesday (January 24, 2023). According to the regular bulletin of Met office, “Mild to moderate cold wave is sweeping over Rangpur division and the districts of Faridpur, Madaripur, Gopalganj, Rajshahi, Pabna, Naogaon, Sirajganj, Moulvibazar, Rangamati, Feni, Chuadanga, Jashore, Kushtia, Barishal and Bhola, and it may abate in some places.” Also read: Mild to moderate cold wave sweeps parts of country Moderate to thick fog may occur at places over the river basins and light to moderate fog may occur at places elsewhere over the country during midnight to morning, it said. The lowest temperature in the country was recorded at 6.5 degrees Celsius in Tetulia of Panchagarh district in 24 hours till 6am today (January 21, 2023). The highest temperature was recorded at 29.0 degrees Celsius in Teknaf during this time. Weather may remain dry with temporary partly cloudy skies over the country. Night temperature may rise by 1-2 degree C and day temperature may remain nearly unchanged over the country. Read More: BGMEA urges the wealthy to help cold-stricken low-income people

Jashore and Chuadanga districts recorded the lowest temperature in Bangladesh, at 7.8 degree Celsius, in 24 hours till this morning as a mild cold wave is sweeping across the country. Chuadanga has been recording the lowest temperatures for the third consecutive day, said Rakibul Hasan, officer-in-charge of Chuadanga's local meteorological office. “This situation will remain for a day or two. The temperature may drop further,” he added. Dhaka recorded 12.3 degree Celsius during this period. Read more: Cold wave grips parts of Bangladesh; situation likely to improve after 2/3 days A mild to moderate cold wave is sweeping over Rajshahi and Rangpur divisions and the districts of Tangail, Faridpur, Manikganj, Jashore, Chuadanga, Satkhira and Kushtia and it may continue, Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) said this morning. Besides, moderate to thick fog may occur over the country from midnight to morning, and it may continue till noon at places. Night temperature may remain nearly unchanged and day temperature may rise slightly over the country. Due to the reduced difference between day and night temperature, moderate to severe cold conditions are likely over the country, it added. Weather may remain dry with temporary partly cloudy skies over the country. Read more: Chuadanga shivering as country’s lowest temperature recorded at 8.4 degree C A biting cold spell has also continued to sweep across Kurigram. The district recorded 8.6 degree Celsius temperature in 24 hours till this morning, said Kurigram's Rajarhat Agricultural Meteorological Office's Meteorological Observer Tuhin Miah. Due to the downtrend in the temperature, the people of char areas of 16 rivers including Brahmaputra, Dharla, Teesta and Dudhkumar are facing difficulties. Also, the number of diarrhoea and pneumonia patients – mostly children and the elderly – is increasing in hospitals of Kurigram, said Kurigram General Hospital’s resident physician Dr Shahinur Rahman Shipon. Read More: Khulna struggles to cope with biting cold wave