Dhaka: The country experienced its lowest temperature of the season today as the mercury fell to 6.7 degrees Celsius at Badalgachhi in Naogaon, according to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD). The Met Office reported that a mild to moderate cold wave is affecting Rajshahi, Rangpur, Khulna, and Barishal divisions, along with several districts including Tangail, Faridpur, Madaripur, Gopalganj, Kishoreganj, Manikganj, Narsingdi, Narayanganj, Netrokona, Moulvibazar, Lakshmipur, and Cumilla.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the cold wave has now spread across 32 districts and may continue. In contrast, the highest temperature recorded in the country today was 26.5 degrees Celsius in Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar, highlighting the temperature variation between different regions.
The BMD’s forecast, valid from 9 am today for the next 24 hours, indicates that the weather may remain dry with partly cloudy skies. Moderate to thick fog is likely from midnight to morning, potentially persisting until noon in certain places. While night temperatures are expected to remain stable, daytime temperatures might see a slight increase.
Met statistics reveal a steady decline in the lowest temperature over the past three days, from 7.5 degrees Celsius on Monday to 7.0 degrees Celsius on Tuesday in Rajshahi, before further dropping to 6.7 degrees Celsius today in Naogaon. In Dhaka, the temperature decreased by approximately two degrees Celsius compared to yesterday, despite the absence of dense fog in many areas.
As per BMD classification, a mild cold wave occurs with minimum temperatures between 8.1 and 10 degrees Celsius, a moderate cold wave between 6.1 and 8 degrees Celsius, and a severe cold wave between 4.1 and 6 degrees Celsius. Temperatures below 4 degrees Celsius are categorized as a very severe cold wave.
The long-range forecast issued by BMD earlier this month predicted at least five cold waves in January, including one severe cold wave. In Dhaka, today’s sunset will be at 5:28 pm, and tomorrow’s sunrise at 6:43 am.