Bangladesh is set to experience a colder and more turbulent winter this year, with as many as 10 cold waves – including up to three severe ones – expected to sweep across the country between November and January, according to a long-range forecast released by the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) on Sunday night.
The forecast suggests that this winter will be “slightly colder than usual,” accompanied by dense fog, intermittent rainfall, and sharp temperature fluctuations – conditions that could significantly disrupt daily life, agriculture, and transportation, particularly in northern and central Bangladesh.
BMD officials said two to three severe cold waves are likely to hit the northwestern, northeastern, and central regions – including districts such as Rajshahi, Rangpur, and Mymensingh – while mild to moderate cold spells may sweep other areas of the country.
“Both daytime and nighttime temperatures are expected to decline gradually, especially from late November onwards,” the BMD said. “The combination of fog, rain, and cold air will make this winter more challenging than in recent years.”
Alongside the cold waves, the forecast also highlighted a potential rise in rainfall, predicting slightly above-normal precipitation between November and January. This could affect winter crops such as Boro rice and vegetables, while also increasing the risk of disruptions to road, air, and river transport due to poor visibility caused by dense fog.
The BMD added that two to four low-pressure systems may develop over the Bay of Bengal during the period, and up to two of them could intensify into depressions or cyclones.
Although the likelihood of a major storm is considered low, forecasters say that changing sea temperatures could make late-season cyclones more unpredictable.
Climate experts have linked these trends to global climate variability, noting that irregular temperature shifts, untimely rainfall, and prolonged fog are becoming more common in Bangladesh’s winter seasons.
The pattern reflects how winter in Bangladesh is no longer consistent. Some years are unusually dry and mild, others are wet and biting cold. These swings are clear indicators of broader climatic instability.
Public health specialists have also warned that extended cold spells could worsen seasonal diseases, including respiratory infections, pneumonia, and influenza, especially among children and the elderly.
Authorities have been urged to prepare early – by strengthening cold-weather relief distribution, supporting farmers with irrigation planning, and coordinating public health campaigns to reduce winter-related health risks.
If the forecast holds, Bangladesh could face one of its longest and most intense winters in recent years, marking yet another reminder of how climate change is reshaping the country’s once-predictable weather patterns.
Source: UNB