Bangladesh braces for cold wave in January

On the first day of the New Year, rain fell in southeastern Bangladesh while temperature dropped in the north. A cold wave is expected next week.

Tetulia was the coldest area of the country on Monday, with a temperature of only 9.7 degrees Celsius. The highest was recorded at 27.5 degrees Celsius in Mymensingh.

Nineteen millimetres of rain fell in Cox’s Bazar, while one millimetre fell in Kutubdia and 51 millimetres fell in Teknaf.

According to the Meteorological Department, night temperature may fall in the coming 48 hours, while parts of the Rangpur, Rajshahi and Khulna divisions may experience cold waves.

North and central Bangladesh may experience a medium (6-8 degrees Celsius) or intense (4-6 degrees Celsius) cold wave this month and 2-3 light (8-10 degrees Celsius) or medium cold waves in other parts of the country this month, said Meteorological Department Director Shamsuddin Ahmed in the January forecast on Monday.

However, the overall average temperatures across the country may remain normal.

The north, northeast, northwest, central and river basin areas may expect heavy fog, while other areas may experience light to medium fog on Tuesday.

The forecast states that parts of the Chittagong Division and one or two areas in Sylhet, Barisal and Khulna may expect light to medium showers. The weather will remain dry in most other parts of the country, with some temporary cloudy skies.