Dhaka experienced light showers on Thursday night, with areas like Tikatuli, Mugda and Keraniganj enjoying a refreshing drizzle that enlivened the late-night atmosphere. The Bangladesh Meteorological Department forecasts that scattered rain is likely to continue across various parts of the country over the next three days, bringing a mix of refreshing showers and overcast skies. In a media release, the Met Office revealed that the deep depression in the southwest Bay of Bengal has moved north-northwestward as of Thursday night. It is expected to continue in that direction, influencing weather patterns across Bangladesh. Light rain is expected on Friday evening in parts of Khulna, Barishal and Chattogram divisions. The following 48 hours may bring light to moderate showers or thundershowers in these regions, including Dhaka. Elsewhere in the country, skies are likely to remain partly cloudy with dry weather prevailing. Temperature Tumbles On Thursday, the highest temperature of 32.4°C was recorded in Sitakunda, Chattogram, while the mercury dipped to 12.1°C in Tetulia, Panchagarh, marking the lowest temperature of the day. Read: Light rains likely in Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram divisions The Met Office has predicted a slight dip in daytime temperatures on Friday, with nighttime temperatures expected to inch up. By Saturday, both day and night temperatures may decrease marginally, continuing a cooling trend in the days to follow. As the mercury drops, the signs of winter are beginning to emerge. Light to moderate fog is likely in parts of the country from late night until early morning, offering a seasonal charm to Bangladesh’s landscapes.

A low pressure area is likely to form over Southeast Bay and adjoining area on Saturday as seasonal low lies over South Bay, extending its trough to North Bay. Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) predicted it in an update on Friday morning. Moderate to thick fog may occur at places over the northern part of the country and light to moderate fog may occur at places elsewhere over the country during late night till early morning, it reads. Read: Low pressure area likely to form within next 24hrs: BMD Weather may remain dry with temporary partly cloudy sky over the country in 24 hours commencing 9:00am on Friday, according to the BMD. Night and day temperatures may fall slightly over the country, it reads. The country’s highest temperature was recorded in Cox’s Bazar at 32.5 degree Celsius over the past 24 hours till 6pm on Thursday while the lowest temperature 14.3 degree Celsius was recorded in Panchagarh’s Tetulia till 6am on Friday.

Light rain or drizzle is likely to occur at one or two places over Rangpur and Rajshahi divisions on Sunday, according to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department. Weather may remain mainly dry with temporary partly cloudy sky elsewhere over the country, said a met office update. Dhaka’s air quality again turns ‘unhealthy’ Day and night temperatures may remain nearly unchanged over the country, it added. The lowest temperature in the country today was recorded at 20.3 degrees Celsius in Tetulia while the highest temperature was recorded at 34.5 degrees Celsius in Feni, said the bulletin.  

While the northern regions of Bangladesh are experiencing cooler mornings with thick fog, residents of Dhaka and other parts of the country remain largely unaffected by the chill, as winter continues to delay its arrival. In recent years, the country has typically felt the onset of winter in January, with temperatures dropping significantly between January and February. Md Bazlur Rashid, a meteorologist at the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, said that while some regions are experiencing a mild chill, a proper winter is unlikely to be felt in December. "Some people are feeling a bit of cold, but there is no chance of winter being felt in December," he said. Low pressure area likely to form over Bay Tuesday He attributed the cooler sensations to changes in wind patterns rather than a true seasonal shift, adding that the country can expect winter to begin in January. “The monsoon season is no longer active.” Winter’s First Signs in Panchagarh and Nilphamari In the northern district of Panchagarh, often referred to as the ‘Daughter of the Himalayas’, the arrival of winter seems imminent. Dense fog has blanketed the area, falling like dew throughout the night and lingering well into the morning, creating a thick, misty atmosphere. According to the Met Office, the departure of the south-west wind, coupled with the presence of clouds in the sky, has contributed to this fog, signalling the forthcoming winter. In Nilphamari, the town has been engulfed in fog since the midnight of October 12, with visibility reduced to the extent that flights at Syedpur airport were disrupted on that day. The fog serves as another early indicator that winter is on its way to the northern regions, even as the rest of the country waits for its arrival. Winter Vegetables Hit Markets Despite the delayed winter, markets across the capital are already buzzing with winter vegetables, though prices remain steep. In markets such as Jinjira, Aganagar in Keraniganj, and the capital’s Karwan Bazar, Newmarket, and Hatirpool Raw Market, vegetable stalls are well-stocked with produce, including aubergine, cucumber, pointed gourd, snake beans, papaya, and bitter gourd. Winter staples such as beans, carrots, radishes, cauliflower and cabbage have also made an appearance. Dhaka’s air quality continues to be ‘unhealthy’ However, vegetable sellers at Karwan Bazar report that recent rains and floods have driven up prices. In some cases, vegetable prices have surged by as much as Tk 20 in just one week, further straining household budgets amid an already challenging economic climate. Chill to Intensify in January Though winter remains elusive in much of the country, meteorologists predict that temperatures will drop significantly in the coming months, particularly in the northern and hilly regions, where the average temperature can fall to 12°C. January is expected to be the coldest month, with average temperatures across Bangladesh dropping to around 10°C. As the colder months approach, residents in these regions are bracing for the seasonal chill. Bangladesh’s winter, though typically mild, brings a welcome respite from the high humidity and sweltering heat experienced throughout much of the year. For now, as the late arrival of winter looms, the country’s residents wait in anticipation of cooler days ahead. Read more: 10 Tasty Immunity Boosting Winter Soup Recipes for Children

A moderate earthquake jolted parts of Bangladesh including Dhaka on Sunday (June 02, 2024) afternoon. The earthquake, measuring 5 magnitude on the Richter Scale, was felt at 2: 44 pm which lasted for a few seconds, according to Bangladesh Meteorological Department. The earthquake jolted Dhaka, Rangamati, Cumilla, Cox’s Bazar and Khagrachhari districts, said Farzana Sultana, assistant meteorologist of BMD. 5.4 magnitude earthquake jolts Bangladesh: USGS The epicentre of the earthquake was located at Mawlaik, Myanmar. The distance of the epicenter was 441 km south east from the BMD Seismic Centre in Agargaon, Dhaka, according to BMD. No damage due to the earthquake was reported at the time of filing this report. A cluster of earthquakes shakes Taiwan after a strong quake killed 13 earlier this month

Severe Cyclonic Storm Remal, which made landfall on Bangladesh’s coast on Sunday (May 26, 2024) night, moved northwards and weakened into a cyclonic storm and further weakened into a land deep depression over Jashore and adjoining area, according to Bangladesh Meteorological Department. It is likely to move northeastwards further and weaken into a land depression by giving precipitation, the BMD stated in its special bulletin. Dhaka’s air quality improves after rain due to the influence of Cyclone Remal Maritime ports of Payra and Mongla have been advised to lower danger signal number 10 but instead hoist local cautionary signal number three (R ) three. Maritime ports of Cox's bazar and Chattogram have been advised to lower danger signal number nine but instead hoist local cautionary signal number three (r) three. Cyclone Remal: Another man dies on the way to shelter All fishing boats and trawlers over north bay have been advised to remain in shelter till tomorrow morning (28 may 2024) and then proceed with caution.

National carrier Biman Bangladesh Airlines announced the suspension of its flights to Cox's Bazar for Sunday (May 26, 2024) due to Cyclonic storm Remal. Besides, flights of BG395 and BG391 to Kolkata will remain suspended on Sunday and Monday, respectively, said Bosra Islam, general manager of the Public Relations Wing of Biman Bangladesh Airlines. Cyclone Remal: Chittagong Port Authority issues alert 3 Earlier, Bangladesh Meteorological Department asked the Payra and Mongla maritime ports to hoist danger Signal 7 and danger Signal 6 for Cox's Bazar and Chattogram seaports. According to the BMD, the deep depression over east-central Bay and adjoining west-central Bay moved northwards, and intensified into a cyclonic storm "Remal" over northwest Bay and adjoining area on Saturday evening. Depression intensifies into cyclone:  Remal now on its way

Due to the ongoing severe heatwave, the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education has announced the closure of all government primary schools, child welfare trust schools, and learning centers under the education bureau until Thursday. Senior Information Officer of the ministry, Mahbubur Rahman Tuhin, signed the notification on Monday, emphasising that the decision was made to ensure the health and safety of children. Additionally, educational activities at all institutions below the secondary level and vocational educational institutions in Dhaka, Chuadanga, Jashore, Khulna, and Rajshahi districts were suspended for Monday. Guidelines issued for primary schools reopening tomorrow amid heatwave A separate notice from the Education Ministry, signed by MA Khayer, public relations officer, was issued on Sunday following consultations with the Health Ministry and the Bangladesh Meteorological Department. However, educational institutions equipped with air conditioning were allowed to remain open. Despite the ongoing heatwave, which began in the first week of April, schools and colleges had initially resumed classes on Sunday after the Eid-ul-Fitr holidays and their subsequent extension due to the heat. Primary schools conducted classes on Monday since no directive had been issued by the concerned authorities until Sunday night. This reopening came even though there has been no significant relief from the heatwave, raising concerns among parents, particularly those with young children. Heat wave: Assembly at all govt primary schools suspended Originally, schools and colleges were set to reopen on April 21 after the Eid holidays, but the persistent extreme temperatures prompted authorities to extend the closure until April 27. The Ministry has advised parents and guardians to stay informed through official updates as the situation develops.

As the country grapples with an intense heatwave, the government has announced the reopening of primary school academic activities starting Sunday, April 28.  The Primary and Mass Education Ministry, through a notification signed by Senior Information Officer Mahbubur Rahman Tuhin, outlined the operational adjustments to accommodate the sweltering conditions. School hours will be limited to the cooler morning hours, from 8:00 am to 11:30 am. For schools operating in two shifts, the first shift will run from 8:00 am to 9:30 am and the second from 9:45 am to 11:30 am.  Cuet students’ road safety movement postponed, to resume classes Despite these changes, pre-primary level classes will remain closed until further notice, and daily school assemblies will be suspended to avoid prolonged exposure to the heat. The decision follows a similar action taken for secondary level schools and colleges, which are set to reopen on the same day, April 28.  The resumption comes after an extended closure initially planned until April 27 due to the prolonged hot weather following the Eid holidays. Outdoor activities and those requiring sun exposure at these institutions will continue to be limited. To make up for educational disruptions caused by the heatwave and other interruptions, classes will also be conducted on Saturdays until further notice, according to the ministry's notification. Secondary schools, colleges to reopen April 28 amid heat wave The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has forecasted that the current heatwave conditions, which recorded a high of 42.7 degrees Celsius in Chuadanga on Friday, may persist for another 72 hours starting Thursday morning. The government's proactive measures aim to balance educational needs with health and safety concerns during this challenging climate period.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has issued a warning that the ongoing heatwave is likely to persist for 72 hours starting Thursday (April 25, 2024) morning. The BMD cites increased moisture incursion as a factor contributing to the sustained uncomfortable conditions. Met office issues heat alert for another 72 hours This announcement follows earlier alerts issued on April 19 and April 22, as the BMD continues to monitor and respond to the challenging weather patterns affecting the region. 25-year-old dies of heatstroke in Ctg