The panel discussion from different sectors led by
(from left) RIMES Bangladesh Program Lead Raihanul Haque Khan, Bangladesh Water Development Board Superintending Engineer Md. Sazzad Hossain, Department of Agricultural Extension Additional Director Md Roushon Alam, Bangladesh Agricultural University Former Vice Chancellor and Professor Dr. Ali Akbar, Bangladesh Meteorological Department Deputy Director S.M. Quamrul Hassan, and Bangladesh University Engineering and Technology Professor A.K.M. Saiful Islam.

Dhaka, 30 October 2024 – Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD), in collaboration with Regional Integrated Multi-Hazard Early Warning System (RIMES), hosted a Winter Session of the National Climate Application Forum 2024 in Dhaka. Held at the Lakeshore Heights Hotel in Gulshan, the event brought together stakeholders to discuss seasonal weather forecasts and disaster preparedness for the winter season.

The forum, organized twice annually, reviews upcoming weather conditions (such as rainfall, temperatures, and other parameters) that aid decision-making across sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, water management, livestock, health, and urban planning. This session provided seasonal and sub-seasonal forecasts for winter 2024–25, indicating normal rainfall and higher-than-average temperatures from November to January. Moreover, on November 1–18, the probability of cyclone formation is very low.

Dr. Md. Shadekul Alam, Director of the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD), emphasized the Forum’s value in improving forecast accuracy through stakeholder feedback. The event included a session on Cyclone Remal, where experts noted how local and global forecast models closely matched the storm’s actual path.

Flood forecasting also took center stage, with participants suggesting longer lead times for warnings. The Forum highlighted the new interactive portal of flood forecasting and early warning from the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC) and RIMES, which aims to improve sector-specific decision-making. Participants commended this portal and asked for support on using this portal through API.

A panel discussion emphasized impact-based forecast, as the cascading hazards are now observed prominently, flood alert system, aware in sharing forecast to avoid misinformation and disinformation.

The Department of Fisheries requested attention on early warnings for the fisheries sector. Dr. Md Abdul Muyeed, Consultant of RIMES and former Director General of the Department of Agriculture Extension, praised the active engagement of participants, urging wider use of forecasting information to enhance resilience.

The event was supported by the World Bank’s Climate Adaptation and Resilience (CARE) for South Asia project, part of a five-year initiative to promote climate-resilient policies across the region.

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