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Background: The second wave of cold weather has begun impacting Bangladesh since 7 January 2025, with notably colder temperatures recorded across the country. According to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD), on 8 January, night temperatures fell by 2–3°C, and day temperatures dropped by 2–4°C, intensifying cold feelings, particularly during the daytime. This ongoing period of intense cold is particularly severe in the northern and southwestern regions, which are experiencing the most significant temperature drops. Furthermore, widespread dense fog is persisting across the country during this time, causing potential disruptions to transportation and daily activities. The cold wave and foggy conditions are expected to continue through the coming days, with heightened impacts in Rangpur, Rajshahi, and Khulna divisions.
Forecast: According to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) and the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), the upper portion of a western low-pressure system moved eastward and entered Bangladesh on 7 January in the evening, while the lower portion shifted over central and northeast India by 8 January. Drawing cold air from the Hindukush Himalayan region, this system brought widespread fog and cold air into Bangladesh on 8 January morning. A mild cold wave affects all of Bangladesh, with significant impacts expected in the Rangpur, Rajshahi, Khulna and Dhaka divisions from 8 to 12 January 2025.
Thick fog and cold winds impacted West Bengal on 7 January afternoon, reaching the border districts of Bangladesh on 7 January evening. Dense fog has already developed in all over Bangladesh on 8 January except the CHT regions and is expected to intensify across the Rangpur and Rajshahi divisions on 9 and 10 January, particularly at night and early morning. From 10 to 12 January, similar foggy conditions are likely to occur in Mymensingh, Dhaka, and Khulna divisions.
Additionally, a fresh western disturbance, interacting with easterly winds creates precipitation. Isolated drizzling is also likely in the Chattogram and Sylhet divisions later today, on 8 January. These conditions are expected to significantly reduce visibility and intensify the perceived cold, especially in areas experiencing dense fog.
Advisory:
Health Risks: Cold weather can increase the risk of respiratory illnesses and hypothermia, especially among vulnerable populations (children, elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions).
Livestock: Protect livestock and poultry from the cold by covering them with burlap or black cloth and keep high-voltage bulbs on to provide warmth
Agriculture:
• Boro Rice Seedlings: Cover seedlings with polythene covers during cold nights to shield them from the cold. Maintain 2–3 cm of water in the soil after planting to help insulate the seedlings and reduce cold damage.
• Potatoes: Monitor for Late Blight in potatoes, which can thrive in cold, wet conditions.
• Mustard Plants: Leaf Blight Disease can worsen in cold and foggy weather, so monitor plants for signs of infection