A spell of severe cold has been affecting the northern district of Panchagarh for several days, as a mild cold wave sweeps across the region, leading to a sharp drop in temperatures and widespread disruption to daily life.
According to the Tetulia Weather Observation Centre, the temperature fell by 4.2 degrees Celsius within 24 hours, dropping to 8.6 degrees Celsius at 9:00am on Tuesday. This compares with 12.8 degrees Celsius recorded at the same time on Monday.
At the time of the reading, humidity stood at 99 per cent, while wind speeds ranged between six and eight kilometres per hour, intensifying the chill. The maximum temperature on Tuesday reached 16.5 degrees Celsius, resulting in a narrow difference of just 3.7 degrees Celsius between the day’s lowest and highest temperatures.
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department says temperatures between 8.1 and 10 degrees Celsius constitute a mild cold wave. Based on current readings, Panchagarh is presently experiencing such conditions.
The cold has had a significant impact on daily life in the district. As night falls, temperatures drop further, while dense fog blankets roads and highways from evening through to the early morning hours, worsening the sense of cold and reducing visibility.
Low-income residents and day labourers are among the worst affected, with many struggling to reach workplaces or secure employment due to the harsh weather. Transport operations have also been disrupted, as drivers are forced to move slowly with headlights on even during daylight hours because of thick fog.
To cope with the cold, many residents have been seen lighting fires using straw and dry leaves to keep warm.
Jitendranath Ray, officer-in-charge of the Tetulia Weather Observation Centre, said upper-level cloud cover combined with persistent fog is making the cold feel more intense. He added that similar weather conditions may continue across the region throughout January.
