The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has forecast up to ten cold waves between November 2024 and January 2025, preparing the country for an unusually chilly winter. Two to three of these strong waves have the potential to drop temperatures as low as 4°C in several areas of the nation, especially in the center, northeast, and northwest.
What to Expect
Severe cold waves, defined by temperatures dropping below 6°C, are set to disrupt daily life, while moderate (6-8°C) and mild (8-10°C) waves will also bring discomfort. Experts are pointing to a combination of global warming, Arctic amplification, and regional climate phenomena like La Niña and the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) as key contributors to this intensified winter.
Impact of Climate Change
Contrary to misconceptions, extreme cold waves are a direct consequence of climate change. Disruptions in the jet stream, driven by Arctic warming, allow cold polar air to spill southward into regions like South Asia. La Niña, expected to dominate this winter, further amplifies the chill by shifting the jet stream southward, pulling cold air into Bangladesh.
Dr. Rashed Chowdhury, a climate scientist, highlights other factors, including the IOD’s negative phase and cold winds from the Himalayas, as critical in shaping this year’s colder-than-usual winter.
Impact and Preparedness
With agriculture, health, and daily activities at stake, the need for preparation is urgent. From dense fog to biting winds, the extreme weather could pose significant challenges to a country already vulnerable to climate shocks.
This icy forecast serves as a stark reminder of the complex and sometimes paradoxical effects of global warming, emphasizing the need for resilience in the face of evolving climate patterns.
Source: The Inquest
