A cold wave is prevailing across 24 districts of the country on Thursday, with the day’s lowest temperature recorded at 7 degrees Celsius in Srimangal of Moulvibazar, according to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD).
The latest BMD bulletin, issued on Thursday morning said the situation has slightly improved as 44 districts were under cold wave conditions on Wednesday, when the minimum temperature dropped to 6.7 degrees Celsius at Badalgachhi in Naogaon.
It said all districts in Rangpur and Rajshahi divisions, along with Gopalganj, Moulvibazar, Cumilla, Feni, Khulna, Jashore, Chuadanga and Kushtia, are experiencing cold wave conditions.
Besides, the capital has seen a slight rise in temperature.
In sharp contrast, Teknaf in Cox’s Bazar recorded the country’s highest temperature on Wednesday at 27.0 degrees Celsius, underscoring the wide variation between the northern and southern regions.
BMD officials said that the cold wave may continue for several more days, with its coverage shifting from one area to another.
The forecast indicates persistence of the cold wave until mid-January, though intensity may vary.
As per BMD classification, temperatures between 6.1 degrees Celsius and 8 degree Celsius denote a moderate cold wave, while 8.1 degree Celsius to 10 degree Celsius is mild. Besides, severe cold wave conditions occur between 4.1 degree Celsius and 6 degree Celsius, and below 4 degree Celsius is considered very severe.
The long-range forecast issued earlier by BMD this month predicted at least five cold waves in January, including one severe cold wave.
The forecast further suggests dry weather with partly cloudy skies. Moderate to thick fog is likely over river basins, while light to moderate fog may form elsewhere from midnight to morning.
Moreover, nighttime temperatures are expected to remain steady, with a slight rise in daytime temperatures across the country.
In Dhaka, on Thursday sunset will be at 5:28 pm and on Friday sunrise at 6:43 am.
