Cold wave forecast after two days of light rain in parts of Bangladesh

One or two places in the Rangpur Division may see light to drizzling rain on Monday

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has forecast rain in three divisions, followed by falling temperatures across the country, possibly leading to a cold wave.

In its weather bulletin, the BMD said the 24 hours from 9am on Monday will see largely dry weather across the country with temporary partially cloudy skies. However, one or two areas of the Rangpur Division may see light rain or drizzles.

Tuesday may bring light rain or drizzles in the Rangpur, Mymensingh and Sylhet divisions.

Meteorologist Md Omar Faruq said, “There may be a bit of rain in the northern region due to the western low-pressure system. Then the temperature will drop and a cold wave may start on Jan 9 or 10.”

The long-term forecast for January says that there may be one to three mild to moderate cold waves in the month along with one or two severe cold waves.

A cold wave begins when the temperature drops below 10 degrees Celsius over a significant area. When temperatures are between 8-10 degrees Celsius, it is considered a mild cold wave. Temperatures between 6-8 degrees Celsius constitute a moderate cold wave. A severe cold wave occurs when the temperature drops below 6 degrees Celsius.

The bulletin said that the daytime temperature in Rangpur Division may drop slightly on Monday, but the night temperature may remain largely unchanged, like in other parts of the country.

Light to moderate fog is expected across the country from around midnight to the morning.

The lowest temperature recorded across the country in the 24 hours to 6am on Monday was 11.6 degrees Celsius in Jashore. Rangamati saw the highest temperature over the period, recording a reading of 30 degrees Celsius.