A recent study highlights a troubling decline in rainfall in Khulna city, where the average annual reduction has been about 0.0018 mm, pointing to a shift toward drier conditions.
This trend, if it continues, could have serious implications for water resources and agriculture, both of which rely on stable rainfall patterns.
At the same time, the study reveals a consistent rise in both daytime and nighttime temperatures. Daytime temperatures have been increasing by an average of 0.023 degrees Celsius per year, while nighttime temperatures have gone up by 0.03 degrees Celsius annually.
The researchers noted that this increase in nighttime temperatures may be linked to a heightened urban heat island effect, which could lead to more significant public health risks and higher energy consumption in the region.
Khulna’s humidity levels have also been dropping, with a yearly decrease of 0.0366 on average between 1981 and 2020. This declining humidity trend adds further stress to an already changing local climate.
The study, titled “Assessing the dynamics of climate change in Khulna city: A comprehensive analysis of temperature, rainfall, and humidity trends,” was published in the International Journal of Science and Engineering. A team of Bangladeshi researchers based in the U.S. conducted the analysis, focusing on the significant climate shifts in the region.
Experts are attributing these changes—alterations in rainfall, rising temperatures, and decreasing humidity—primarily to global climate change driven by increased greenhouse gas emissions. These emissions are contributing to global warming, altering weather patterns, and intensifying extreme weather events.
Md Mazharul Islam, one of the paper’s authors, pointed out that regional factors such as rapid urbanization, deforestation, and changes in land use are also exacerbating local climate disruptions. These factors are contributing to the observed shifts in Khulna’s climate dynamics.
He further warned that rising temperatures and shifting humidity could worsen heat-related illnesses and aggravate respiratory issues. Unpredictable rainfall is also affecting crop production, which can lead to food insecurity and financial stress for farmers.
Additionally, inconsistent rainfall could result in either water shortages or flooding, further impacting daily life and sanitation.
The study’s authors stressed that extreme weather events may damage homes and infrastructure, displacing people and leading to costly repairs.
Mazharul emphasized the importance of using this data as a case study for regions facing similar climate challenges. The findings could help inform policymakers in developing strategies for climate resilience and raising public awareness about the local effects of global climate change.
He also called for greater community involvement in climate resilience planning and the need for educational campaigns to spread awareness about these pressing issues.
