Summers in Bangladesh are usually unforgiving as the mercury keeps on rising throughout the season, but not this time. This year, the summer is unusual, with relentless rains and thunderstorms dominating most part of the season from March to April. Both frequency and persistence of rain and lightning strikes are more than usual this time.

From April, The rain was continuous throughout the month. It stopped for a day or two and was back again. Therefore, it can be said without a doubt that frequency of rain has increased. Also owing to the frequent and persistent rains, there has been no heat wave this season. Rain and lightning strikes are more frequent this time. The paddy fields are in vast empty expanse, meaning the farmers have no place to take shelter if lightning strikes. And this is causing difficulty for them to even harvest crops. Recent data shows that around 70 people were killed in lightning strikes in different parts of the country between March and April. Victims of lightning strikes are mostly farmers and this makes sense because lightning strikes the highest object first. 

Experts have explained that there is an easterly low pressure which comes through the Indian southern peninsula and moves up to the land through the north and north-east. There is nothing unusual about that. What is unusual is, although this normally lasts for four to five days, this year the system is persisting. That is because the sub-tropical high pressure over the Bay of Bengal is weak this time. Had it been stronger, it would have helped move the easterly low-pressure towards the Arabian Sea.

Are extreme weather patterns becoming the norm owing to climate change? The question keeps popping up, every year, as new and extreme weather events continue to affect the country.

Source: The daily Star