Winter to get chillier this year

The country may experience eight to 10 mild to moderate cold waves during the upcoming winter season, an official of the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) said yesterday.

Two to three of those waves could turn into severe cold waves, with temperatures likely to drop as low as 4 degree Celsius, in the northwestern, northeastern, and central regions, BMD said in its three-month weather outlook for November 2024 to January 2025 released on Wednesday.

According to BMD, a mild cold wave means 8-10 degree Celsius, moderate 6-8 degree Celsius, and severe 4-6 degree Celsius.

However, BMD meteorologist Shaheenul Islam said a cold wave in November is unlikely.

The cold waves are likely to sweep through the country in December and January, he told this newspaper over the phone.

As per the weather outlook, during the forecast period, moderate to dense fog may occur in the country's northern, northwestern, central regions, and river basins from late night to morning, while other areas may experience light to moderate fog.

Due to the dense fog, the temperature difference between day and night may reduce, which could mean that this winter will be colder, it said.

BMD also predicts two to five low-pressure systems in the Bay of Bengal throughout the period, with one or two potentially developing into depressions or cyclones.

Overall, there is a possibility of normal rainfall in the country, it said.