Residents of Dhaka are experiencing an unusual and biting cold this winter, prompting questions about the sudden shift in weather patterns. Meteorologists attribute this severe cold spell to various factors, including changes in Bangladesh’s climate cycle over the last few decades, geographical influences, and the impact of climate change.
As cold waves and dense fog blanket the entire country, particularly affecting the northern region near Mount Everest, Dhaka finds itself covered in mist, hindering sunlight from mitigating the harsh cold. The minimum temperature recorded in Dinajpur was a chilling 8.8 degrees Celsius, marking the lowest temperature of the season.
Dhaka, the most densely populated city, has historically witnessed milder winters in the past 20-30 years. However, this year’s winter has been marked by a sudden increase in severity, with temperatures dropping significantly.
Meteorologist Abul Kalam Mallick explains that the reduced difference between the maximum and minimum temperatures in Dhaka, currently at 5°C, contributes to the bone-chilling cold. Additionally, the absence of clouds in the sky allows northerly frosty winds to descend easily, intensifying the cold.
Concerns rise as the meteorological department predicts dry weather with temporary, partly cloudy skies, moderate to thick fog, and disruptions in air navigation, river transport, and road communication. The mild cold wave affecting certain regions may persist, with temperatures ranging from 8-10°C.
While severe cold waves are not uncommon in Bangladesh, the sudden and prolonged cold spell has raised questions about the changing climate and its impact on the country’s weather patterns.
Looking back, last year saw extreme weather conditions, with temperatures soaring over 40°C in many districts. However, there is no likelihood of snowfall in Bangladesh due to its tropical climate characterized by high temperatures and humidity. The country experienced severe hot weather and low rainfall in 2023, resulting in health issues for those exposed to the scorching sun.
As meteorologists continue to monitor and analyze these weather anomalies, the people of Dhaka and Bangladesh brace themselves for an atypical winter and seek answers to the unusual cold that has gripped the region.
