Experts warn of cyclones, severe heat waves in May

Cyclones strong as last year's Amphan may hit the country in May as no cyclone formed in the Bay of Bengal in April, experts are warning.

Besides, Bangladeshis may suffer from another severe heat wave in the next month when the temperature may cross 40 degrees Celsius.

No cyclone was formed in the Bay of Bengal in April. Not even a significant drop in pressure was observed.

Experts say such situations are unusual. In this case, if there is a cyclone in May, it can be very strong.

Abdul Mannan, a meteorologist at the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, said, "There is no possibility of a cyclone forming in the Bay of Bengal in the next one week. It is very unusual that no cyclone formed in the bay in April. This happened last year, when no cyclone was formed in April. As a result, Amphan had time to strengthen in May."

When a cyclone forms after a long break, it has enough time to get stronger. Frequently formed storms usually do not turn out to be that strong, he said.

He said there has been very few years without at least a few cyclones in April.

According to reports in Indian media, cyclones have formed in the Bay of Bengal in April and May every year except 2005, 2011 and 2012.

Shahidul Islam, a geography professor at Dhaka University, said depending on where a cyclone is originated, it can hit Bangladesh, India, Myanmar or Sri Lanka. The cyclones that hit these countries originate towards the last frontier of the Bay of Bengal.

"The water temperature there is now fluctuating between 26 degrees and 27 degrees Celsius. Sometimes it's a little higher. It will increase day by day. The ideal temperature to form a cyclone is 27-28 degrees Celsius. So there is a strong possibility of a cyclone forming in May." 

"Throughout the months of May and June, sea temperatures will remain favourable to cyclones. If the temperature exceeds 28 degrees Celsius in July, heavy rains will start instead of cyclones," he added.

According to forecast by India Meteorological Department (IMD), the temperature in the Bay of Bengal will be above 26 degree Celsius in May. It is the peak time for cyclones in terms of temperature. The deadly cyclone Amphan landed on 20 May last year

Another severe heat wave

Earlier, Bangladesh Meteorological Department predicted an intense heat wave in the country in April.

On 25 April their prediction turned to reality with the country's temperature rising to 41.2 degrees Celsius in Jessore, the highest in the last seven years.

There will be moderate to light heat waves for the next two days, officials said.

However, the heat waves are not ending soon.  In May, people may have to suffer again from severe heat waves.

According to prediction by the Meteorological Department, another severe heat wave will sweep the country next month if the temperature crosses 40 degrees.

Abdul Mannan said, "The sun's rays will be intensify in May. At the same time 2-3 low-pressure areas may arise in the Bay of Bengal. If the rain is delayed for a day or two when that happens, the temperature will rise a lot."

"Also, the amount of water vapour in the air may increase in the coming days. This too, may lead to a rise in temperature," he added.