Cold wave to grip Bangladesh in mid-December as Tentulia sees season’s lowest temperature

Light rains are expected in Khulna, Barishal, and Chattogram due to the influence of Cyclone Fehnel

The temperature has dropped to 10.3 degrees Celcius in Panchagarch's Tentulia, marking the lowest temperature of the season, according to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department.

Although a nationwide cold snap is not on the horizon, the BMD has forecast a 'mild cold wave' for the second week of December.

On Saturday, meteorologist AKM Nazmul Haque said the mild cold wave will affect parts of the northeastern and northwestern regions, with nighttime temperatures decreasing over the next few days.

The BMD classifies a cold wave as severe when temperatures drop below 6 degrees Celsius over large areas. A moderate cold wave occurs when temperatures range from 6 to 8 degrees Celsius, while temperatures between 8 to 10 degrees Celsius are considered a mild cold wave.

In its regular weather bulletin, the BMD also noted that in the next 24 hours, nighttime temperatures across the country are expected to dip slightly, and daytime temperatures will decrease by 1 to 2 degrees Celsius.

RAINS LIKELY IN THREE DIVISIONS

The BMD has also forecast light rain for three divisions -- Khulna, Barishal, and Chattogram -- due to the influence of Cyclone Fengal, which formed over the Bay of Bengal.

The forecast predicts light rain in a few areas of these divisions from 9am on Saturday, continuing for the next 24 hours. Other regions are expected to remain mostly dry with occasional cloud cover.

A low-pressure system formed in the Bay of Bengal last week, gradually intensifying into a clear low-pressure area, then a depression, and by Friday afternoon, it had become a full-fledged cyclone. After strengthening into a cyclone, it was given the name 'Fengal' suggested by Saudi Arabia.

Due to rough seas near the cyclone's centre, maritime ports in Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla, and Payra have been asked to hoist distant warning Signal No. 2.

The weather office expects the cyclone to continue moving northwest and cross the northeastern Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coast by Saturday evening.

Meteorologists do not anticipate any major impact from the cyclone in Bangladesh, except for the expected rainfall.