Seasons are gradually changing in Bangladesh, increase heatwave
Meteorologists discussed the changing climate of Bangladesh at a program called “Changing Climate of Bangladesh: Trends and Weather Changes from 1980 to 2023.” The event took place on July 2, 2024, at the Bangabandhu Military Museum in Dhaka.
Seasonal weather patterns are changing rapidly in the country. Along with that, natural disasters are also increasing. This has adverse effects on agriculture and biodiversity.
These data have emerged from the joint research of 5 meteorologists of Bangladesh Meteorological Department and Norwegian Meteorological Department.
Dr. Bazlur Rashid, a meteorologist from the Department of Meteorology, Bangladesh, led the research team that included meteorologists Afroza Sultana and SM Kamrul Hasan, as well as Norwegian meteorologists Elena Koa, Kajsa Paring, and Hans Olav Heijen.
The Meteorologists said that they have conducted this study for three years from 2021 to 2023. The study analyzed 43 years of daily maximum and minimum temperature data from 35 stations of the Meteorological Department, Bangladesh, to understand temperature changes.
They also said that these data have been analyzed for four seasons of the year – winter (December, January and February), pre-monsoon (March, April and May), monsoon (June to September) and post-monsoon (October and November).
Earlier, in 2016, the Bangladesh Meteorological Department jointly published a report titled ‘Bangladesh Climate’ with the Norwegian Meteorological Department. But that was the ‘basement report’ of today’s report, said meteorologist Bajlur Rashid.
He said, “The seasonal pattern is changing. Extreme events are on the rise. The most worrying thing is that the number of fires is increasing rapidly. Especially during monsoons. It is growing all over the country.
Even in winter, there is a lot of change in the local weather. We have a lot of dust here. In addition, intercontinental pollution is reducing daytime temperatures. Especially in winter, the cold is felt more at this time.”
“These fires and cold currents will have an impact on agriculture. Fuel and electricity costs will increase for irrigation, AC will be more. Heat waves are usually seen during the summer months –
April and May. It’s now gone until October. The wildfires that used to occur during the summer have been increasing rapidly since the last 12 years. Not only in summer, it is also happening in the monsoon,” he added.
Azizur Rahman, Director of Meteorological Department, Bangladesh, said, “Extreme weather is seen in the country. The monsoon arrives late and ends late. The number of heat waves is increasing day by day.
Heat is increasing in monsoons, winters and summers as well. Even though the temperature increases in winter days, the cold is felt more. The number of cloudy days is increasing. With this, air pollution is increasing.”
Espen Richter Sevendson, Ambassador of Norway to Bangladesh, said, “Bangladesh is one of the countries at risk of climate change. Research on meteorological conditions and data utilization will help Bangladesh cope with climate change. Norway will continue to help Bangladesh in the future to deal with the risks of climate change.”
“There is no room for procrastination in protecting against climate change.” Action should be taken now. Heat wave is increasing alarmingly in different parts of Bangladesh, including Rajshahi region.
The rainy season may decrease in the future. Unexpected and abnormal rain showers may occur suddenly. Such a hostile situation is a matter of concern for agriculture-dependent Bangladesh,” he added.
Fatima Akhtar, chairperson of the Meteorological Science Department of Dhaka University, said, “Not only the research statistics, but the constantly felt consequences of extreme weather.”
“This is affecting our agriculture and biodiversity. In the future, our food security, and infrastructure may be more at risk,” she added.
Meteorologist Bajlur Rashid stated that the climate projection for Bangladesh in the future will be determined in collaboration with the Meteorological Department of Norway.
