Cold wave eases across country, temperatures set to rise

Although the Bangla month of Poush has ended and Magh has begun, the biting cold traditionally associated with this month has eased across most of Bangladesh. Friday's weather defied the old saying, "Magher shite bagher gaye" (Magh brings biting cold), as temperatures rose in many regions.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) reported in its 9:00am forecast that temperatures are expected to continue rising until January 18, after which they may fall slightly, though it did not indicate whether severe cold would return. Friday's lowest temperature was recorded at 8.5°C in Tetulia, northern Panchagarh, where the cold wave has brought dense fog and chilling winds since the afternoon.

The third mild cold wave of the winter began on January 6, when Tetulia recorded a minimum temperature of 8.6°C. Since then, minimum temperatures have fluctuated between 7°C and 9°C, with Tetulia recording the country's lowest temperature for eight consecutive days. At present, a cold wave is sweeping over Dinajpur, Panchagarh, and Chuadanga districts.
In its morning forecast, the Met Office said weather across the country may remain dry with temporarily partly cloudy skies. Light to moderate fog is likely in some areas from late night to morning, while night temperatures are expected to remain largely unchanged and daytime temperatures may rise slightly.

According to BMD's long-range forecast, up to five cold waves could affect the country this month, one of which may be severe. Cold wave conditions have prevailed intermittently across different parts of Bangladesh since early January, easing briefly before spreading again this week.