Bangladesh is experiencing an increasingly erratic climate as the negative consequences of global warming continue to disrupt its traditional weather patterns.
The once-predictable winter season has been notably affected, with the cold that typically dominates the month of February failing to materialise, leaving behind unusually warm conditions.
Instead, the onset of spring is already being marked by a surge in temperatures that is quickly foreshadowing the onset of an intense summer.
Meteorological experts say the prolonged duration of both summer and monsoon seasons in recent years is expected to persist in 2025.
As temperatures rise and heatwaves become more frequent, daily life across the country may soon become unbearable, with many regions already experiencing heightened warmth in January and February.
These temperatures, both high and low, have already been significantly above average for these months.
The once familiar six-season cycle, which was integral to Bangladeshi culture and agriculture, is fast becoming a distant memory.
With climate change gradually eroding the distinctiveness of winter, autumn, and spring, the country is left increasingly subject to extremes in weather—be it excessive rainfall, unrelenting heat, or prolonged droughts.
This disruption has been documented in reports from the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, further underscoring the shifting climatic landscape.
2024 has already set records as the warmest year in history, with global temperatures rising by an alarming 1.6°C compared to pre-industrial times.
In Bangladesh, the year has brought unusually high daily temperatures across the 12 months, with average highs in nearly every month consistently exceeding 30°C.
January, for example, recorded a maximum temperature of 25.2°C, while the highs in February reached 27.8°C.
In comparison, minimum temperatures have also seen a notable increase, with January's low climbing to 12.5°C—almost a full degree higher than the previous year.
In line with these global trends, both the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and NASA have predicted continued warming through 2025, with certain regions likely to endure extreme conditions.
Last year, April saw a record 26 days of heatwaves, resulting in multiple heatstroke fatalities.
This trend is expected to persist, as forecast models predict higher-than-usual temperatures and prolonged periods of intense heat, beginning as early as February.
The coming years may see further environmental strain unless drastic measures are taken. In the context of global temperature rise, deforestation, and uncontrolled urbanisation, Bangladesh must confront the reality of these changes and the increasingly volatile weather patterns they bring.
Experts warn that unless prompt action is taken to mitigate these trends, the nation could face even more severe environmental challenges ahead.
In light of these findings, the future of Bangladesh’s climate and its people remains uncertain, as the land prepares for yet another year of extreme heat and environmental upheaval.
