Will There Be Any More Cold Waves This Month as Temperatures Rise?

On Saturday, the lowest temperature in the country was recorded at 9°C in Tetulia, Panchagarh, in the northern region. According to meteorological criteria, a cold wave is considered to occur when temperatures in a region range between 8.1°C and 10°C. Although Panchagarh’s temperature fell below 10°C today, the Meteorological Department has not declared a cold wave. The reason is that a cold wave is not recognized if low temperatures occur in only a single, isolated area.

Yesterday, Friday, three districts experienced cold waves. The weather office has stated that temperatures are expected to remain largely unchanged over the next two days, after which they may rise again. If temperatures continue to climb, the question arises: will there be any cold waves in the remainder of the month?

AKM Nazmul Haque, a meteorologist at the Meteorological Department, said that overall temperatures across the country have risen by 1–2°C today. He explained to The times of Dhaka that although Panchagarh recorded below 10°C today, isolated low temperatures cannot be classified as a cold wave. He added that conditions are likely to remain similar for the next two days, but could warm up afterward.

Half of the current month has already passed, and the Bengali month of Magh has begun. There is a common saying that “the tiger of winter flees” during this month, indicating the cold gradually eases. Still, temperatures are dropping slowly, raising uncertainty about whether any cold waves will occur later this month.

Meteorologist AKM Nazmul Haque said that at least until the 26th of the month, no cold waves are expected. Whether another cold wave may occur afterward cannot be confirmed at this time.

It is not certain whether January will see further cold waves. However, this does not mean that winter will end once the month is over. Bangladesh can experience severe cold even in February. In fact, the country’s lowest recorded temperature was in February: on February 4, 1968, Moulvibazar recorded 2.8°C.

Referring to this, Nazmul Haque emphasized that it cannot be ruled out that a new cold wave could occur in February.