Country to experience shorter, warmer winter again: experts

With winter getting gradually warmer in Bangladesh for nearly a decade, meteorologists and climate experts say this winter will be even much warmer and shorter than previous years, as the mercury is not falling as expected.

According to statistics provided by Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD), people of Bangladesh are experiencing lower intensity of cold this winter.

The temperature is higher than it was in previous years during December. Besides, the Met office said, the length of this winter is likely to be shorter as it may end in early February when days swill start getting longer.

According to a recent report released by Global Climate Risk Index 2019, Bangladesh is the seventh most affected country in the world due to “extreme weather events” over 20 years between 1998 and 2017.

The report also said 407 people died in Bangladesh in 2017 due to extreme weather-related events, while the country suffered an economic loss of about US $2,826.68 million during the period.

Bazlur Rashid, a meteorologist at Bangladesh Meteorology Department, said the country has been experiencing relatively warmer winter for a decade, with the gradual fall in cold intensity while the country’s overall temperature has increased around 1.2 degrees Celcius during the period.

“There’s no exception this winter as well. The mercury is not falling to the level it should be at this time. The average temperature is 1-2 degrees Celcius higher than previous years. The lowest temperature recorded was 9.5 degrees on Sunday at Pannchagarh’s Tetulia, while the highest was 18 degrees in Dhaka. The lowest temperature on this day last year was 8.9 degrees in Tetulia and 17 degrees in Dhaka,” he said.

The meteorologist said temperatures may fall substantially next week, when one or two light or mild cold waves are likely to sweep the country. He said mercury is likely to drop as low as 6 degrees Celsius in northwestern regions, including Rangpur, Rajshahi and Khulna divisions.

“But, Dhaka’s temperature is unlikely to fall significantly during the cold wave, as it won’t drop below 12 to 13 degrees Celsius.”

Stating that January is supposed to be the coldest month in the country, he said the mercury is set to fall with one or two severe cold waves sweeping the country, but it may not come down to the expected level. “The average temperature should remain about 10-12 degrees Celsius during January, but it may not drop below 15 degrees.”

Bazlur also said the winter should persist till the last week of February, but this time it may end in early February.

Eminent climate expert Dr Atiq Rahman said Bangladesh has seen a 1 degree rise in average temperature due to climate change, while half degrees for other reasons, including pollution and industrialisation.

He said the average global temperature has increased 0.96 degrees Celsius, and it has continued to rise.

Dr Atiq, executive director of Bangladesh Center for Advanced Studies, said people in Dhaka and other cities have been experiencing much higher temperatures than other areas due to a huge number of buildings, and concrete roads and pavements, which retain heat for six to eight hours after sunset.

He said winter is getting less biting gradually, but with more fog. “Crops are being affected badly due to increased fog.”

The expert said Bangladesh has little to do to check the unusual temperature during winter, as it is one of the worst victims of global warming caused by climate change.

He, however, said the government should take steps to increase greenery in Dhaka and other cities, encourage people to plant trees on roofs, balconies and open spaces around their houses, and check pollution to reduce warming a bit.

Prof Maksudur Rahman of Dhaka University’s geography and environment department said the average temperature in Bangladesh is increasing due to some natural and manmade reasons, including global warming, lack of adequate greenery, rapid urbanisation and industrialisation, excessive emission of carbon dioxide and growing use of air conditioners, electricity and electronic devices.

Prof Maksud said there is a necessity of adequate research to know long-term impact of climate change, warming and abnormal shift in traditional six seasons in the country, and its biodiversity. “Our government should focus on conducting research on climate-related issues.”