A mild cold wave is expected to sweep across the country starting Sunday, with temperatures likely to rise again from Tuesday, according to meteorologists.
When asked about the onset of the cold wave, AKM Nazmul Haque, a forecasting officer at the Meteorological Department, informed the media, “Starting Sunday, a mild cold wave will affect the northern regions of the country, including Rajshahi and Rangpur.
Temperatures in many areas will drop by one to three degrees Celsius.”
Nazmul Haque further explained, “Temperatures will begin to increase again from Tuesday. However, mornings will still experience dense fog, which will gradually dissipate as the day progresses.”
On Friday, the lowest temperature in the country was recorded at 9.6 degrees Celsius in Badalgachhi, Rajshahi. For today, Saturday, temperatures are anticipated to decrease slightly in various parts of the country.
Meteorologists have also indicated that after the cold wave starting tomorrow, no further cold waves are expected for the remainder of the month.
They noted that December saw limited temperature drops, and while January is usually the coldest month of the year, the temperature this year is not expected to decrease significantly. Furthermore, the density of fog has been lower than usual.
The long-term weather forecast for this month suggested that one to two low-pressure systems could form in the Bay of Bengal, with one potentially intensifying into a depression.
Additionally, the country’s western, northern, and northeastern regions might experience one to two moderate cold waves (6 to 8 degrees Celsius), one severe cold wave (4 to 6 degrees Celsius), and two to three mild to moderate cold waves (8 to 10 degrees Celsius). Dense fog in some areas may persist until noon.
Although a mild cold wave occurred earlier in the month, the overall intensity of winter has been relatively mild across the country.
Jitendranath Roy, the acting officer of the Tetulia Weather Observation Center, stated that on Friday, the temperature dropped to 10 degrees Celsius in the morning and reached 16 degrees Celsius during the day.
He also mentioned that the sky remains cloudy, with moderate fog and dew resembling light rainfall. The cold is expected to intensify further in the coming days.
Meanwhile, the colder weather has contributed to an increase in illnesses such as fever, colds, diarrhea, and pneumonia. Outpatient departments in district and upazila hospitals have reported a daily rise in the number of patients, with many requiring hospitalization.
Alongside providing treatment, doctors are advising patients on necessary precautions to stay protected from the cold.
