Northern winds herald winter’s arrival

'With the winter breeze, a dance begins on every branch of the Amlaki tree, the leaves shiver and fall in rhythm.' In the rhythm of this poem by the revered poet Rabindranath Tagore, winter is arriving a little early this year in Bangladesh, the abode of natural beauty. In this land of six seasons, each season appears with its own distinct characteristics.

Although Poush and Magh are the two official winter months, this year the winter ambiance will be felt from the beginning of Hemanta, i.e., from the month of Kartik. During this time, the cool northern breeze will enter through the northern region of Rangpur. At the same time, the monsoon rains will bid farewell across the country.

At the very beginning of Hemanta, the season of flowers, fruits, and crops, winter, the season of diverse beauty, is set to announce its arrival, covering nature with a blanket of fog. Already, in the Rangpur and Naogaon regions, the cold has started to set in gradually, and a cool, gentle breeze is blowing. Dewdrops on green grass in the morning. In some areas, the sun is also appearing a little late. Date juice collectors have started tending to their date palm trees. The markets are showing some early winter vegetables - flat beans, radishes, cauliflowers, cabbages, bottle gourds, and various other delicious vegetables. It seems like a glimpse of winter.

Regarding the arrival of winter, Md. Mominul Islam, Director of the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, said, "The initial signs of winter's arrival are morning fog, a gradual decrease in temperature, and dryness in the air. These will be noticeable after October 20. During this time, the monsoon winds from the Bay of Bengal will gradually become inactive, and the cool northern winds will enter through the Rangpur region. Typically, this happens in November. That means the winter weather is arriving a bit early this year." He informed that according to data from various weather observation centers across the country, morning fog has already started in the Rangpur, Naogaon, and Sylhet regions. Temperatures in the northern and central parts of the country will also start to drop from next week. However, throughout October, the afternoons and evenings might still be oppressively hot.

Kazi Jebunnesa, Assistant Meteorologist at Bangladesh Meteorological Department, said, "This year, the monsoon season has been somewhat prolonged, so the usual dryness of Sharat hasn't set in yet. There has also been more rain than usual. However, while normally the monsoon winds gradually depart and the winter winds enter the northern regions in November, this year the transition is happening rapidly. By the third week of October, the monsoon winds will weaken and gradually retreat. Night temperatures will decrease somewhat. The northern winds will start blowing." She informed, "This year, due to the influence of La Niña, the monsoon rain pattern has been prolonged. There has also been more rain. However, winter will also arrive swiftly. And its duration will last until April of next year. Although, the possibility of an intensely severe winter lasting long is less this time. The reason behind this is also La Niña."

On the other hand, Meteorologist Omar Faruq told Views Bangladesh about the early winter, "The monsoon winds are departing this October. Simultaneously, the cool northern breeze will enter through the Rangpur region, which is close to the Himalayas." He informed that the weather conditions of this October cannot be compared with previous years. Due to higher rainfall, the monsoon winds are retreating quickly. In contrast, winter will arrive comparatively earlier. After October 20, the intensity of the northern cool breeze will increase. Temperatures will start to drop. At the same time, this winter could be long-lasting. The winter ambiance might persist until the second week of April next year.