Rajshahi recorded the lowest temperature of the current winter season on Tuesday, with the mercury dropping to 7 degrees Celsius, as a mild to moderate cold wave swept across at least 10 districts of the country.
According to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD), the previous lowest temperature this winter was 7.5 degrees Celsius, recorded in Gopalganj on December 31. That record was broken on Tuesday when temperatures in Rajshahi fell further.
The BMD said the cold wave is currently affecting Rajshahi, Pabna, Bogura, Dinajpur, Nilphamari, Panchagarh, Rangamati, Jashore, Kushtia and Chuadanga.
In contrast, the highest temperature in the country was recorded in the southern coastal town of Teknaf, where the mercury rose to 26.6 degrees Celsius, highlighting a sharp temperature disparity between the northern and southern regions.
Despite the nationwide cold conditions, temperatures in the capital, Dhaka, rose slightly on Tuesday, meteorological officials said.
The BMD said temperatures may fluctuate over the next three to four days, with a gradual warming trend likely to begin around January 10 or 11.
According to meteorological definitions, a mild cold wave occurs when minimum temperatures range between 8.1 and 10 degrees Celsius, while temperatures between 6.1 and 8 degrees Celsius indicate a moderate cold wave. A severe cold wave is classified when temperatures fall between 4.1 and 6 degrees Celsius, and readings below 4 degrees Celsius are considered very severe.
In its long-range forecast issued earlier this month, the BMD said at least five cold waves may sweep across the country in January, including one severe cold wave.
In its latest forecast, effective from 9:00am on Tuesday, the department said the weather is likely to remain dry with a temporarily partly cloudy sky across the country.
Moderate to thick fog may form during midnight and morning hours and could persist until noon in some areas, potentially disrupting air navigation, inland river transport and road communication.
Although night and day temperatures may rise slightly, cold conditions are expected to continue due to persistent fog, the BMD said.
In Dhaka, sunset on Tuesday was recorded at 5:26pm, while sunrise on Wednesday is expected at 6:43am.
