Weather
Dhaka ranks 23rd in global pollution list with moderate air quality
Air pollution continues to rise across global cities due to climate change and rapid urbanization, and Dhaka is no exception. On Sunday morning (October 5), the capital’s air quality was recorded at a moderate level. According to Swiss-based air quality monitoring organization IQAir, Dhaka’s Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 74 around 8:30 AM, placing it 23rd among the world’s most polluted cities.
At the same time, India’s capital New Delhi topped the list with an AQI score of 171, followed by Hanoi, Vietnam (153), Jakarta, Indonesia (151), Tashkent, Uzbekistan (149), and Manila, Philippines (131).
The AQI scale defines 0–50 as “good,” 51–100 as “moderate,” 101–150 as “unhealthy for sensitive groups,” 151–200 as “unhealthy,” 201–300 as “very unhealthy,” and anything above 301 as “hazardous.”
According to a 2019 report by the Department of Environment and the World Bank, the main sources of Dhaka’s air pollution are brick kilns, vehicle emissions, and construction dust.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that air pollution causes about seven million deaths globally every year, mostly from strokes, heart disease, lung cancer, and respiratory illnesses.
A low-pressure area is likely to form over the South Andaman Sea and adjoining regions within the next 24 hours, according to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department. The system may gradually intensify as it moves west-northwestward.
Meteorologist Dr Md Omar Faruk said in Saturday’s (22 November) forecast that the existing seasonal low lies over the South Bay of Bengal, with its extension reaching the North Bay.
The forecast indicates that by tomorrow morning (23 November), the weather across the country is expected to remain dry with partly cloudy skies. Light to moderate fog may develop in some areas during early morning hours. Night temperatures may fall slightly, while daytime temperatures are expected to remain nearly unchanged.
Separate forecasts for Sunday through Wednesday suggest that dry weather will persist nationwide, accompanied by partly cloudy conditions. Night temperatures may drop by 1 to 2 degrees Celsius in some regions, with a slight fall in daytime temperatures as well. No significant weather changes are anticipated in the coming days.
Northern Bangladesh has begun experiencing early winter conditions, with Tetulia recording the season’s lowest temperature of 14°C on Friday, according to the Meteorological Department.
Officials say that without the possibility of a late-November storm over the Bay of Bengal, temperatures might have fallen more rapidly, potentially allowing fog and cooler air to trigger a nationwide cold wave.
The Bangladesh Weather Observatory Team (BWOT) reported that if sea conditions remain stable, the season’s first cold wave may arrive in December. Until then, cooler weather will be felt across the country, though not at cold-wave levels.
According to BWOT, the mild and pleasant chill of November is expected to persist throughout the month.
At least 140 people have been killed and 127 others remain missing after Typhoon Kalmaegi swept across the Philippines, according to official figures released on Thursday. The powerful storm is now heading toward Vietnam.
Severe flooding has inundated parts of Cebu province, washing away cars, riverside homes, and even large shipping containers. The National Civil Defense Office confirmed 114 deaths, while local authorities in Cebu reported an additional 28 fatalities.
In Liloan, near Cebu City, at least 35 bodies have been recovered, and many buildings have lost their roofs. On Negros Island, at least 30 people died after mudslides triggered by heavy rains from Kanlaon volcano buried several homes. Six army personnel were also killed when a rescue mission helicopter crashed.
Cebu recorded 18.3 centimeters of rainfall within 24 hours—far above the region’s monthly average of 13.1 centimeters. Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro described the situation as “unexpected” and “catastrophic.”
Scientists warn that climate change is intensifying storms like Kalmaegi, as warmer oceans fuel stronger winds and heavier rainfall. Around 800,000 people have been evacuated to safer areas.
Kalmaegi is expected to make landfall in central Vietnam on Thursday night, where authorities fear the storm could worsen ongoing floods that have persisted for over a week.