The mercury dipped to 6.7 degrees Celsius in Badalgachhi upazila here on Wednesday morning, marking the lowest temperature of the season and leaving Naogaon shivering under a blanket of fog and dew.
The bone-chilling cold, intensified by icy northern winds, has slowed daily life to a crawl as the district reels under a persistent cold wave. Dew continues to drip and dense fog has blanketed the district, reducing visibility to just a few metres. The overcast sky and absence of the sun have severely disrupted normal life in Naogaon.
Residents in Naogaon have endured severe cold for the past two weeks, with temperatures ranging from 8 to 11 degrees Celsius.
On Wednesday, the mercury dropped further, marking the lowest temperature of the season at 6.7 degrees Celsius in Badalgachhi upazila. On Tuesday, the same area recorded 11 degrees Celsius.
Hamidul Haque, Senior Observer of the Badalgachhi Weather Observation Centre, said the moderate cold wave sweeping over the district may persist for several more days.
The biting cold, intensified by chilly winds, has brought public life to a near standstill. Day labourers are facing acute hardship, while most residents avoid going outdoors unless absolutely necessary. Those compelled to work for their livelihood are suffering immensely.
Roads and highways have remained shrouded in fog since early morning, forcing vehicles to move with headlights on. Traffic in town areas has declined sharply, while agricultural activities in the fields have nearly halted.
People who are cold-stricken and destitute light fires at courtyards, pavements, and tea stalls to combat the freezing weather.
Farmer Samiul Islam of Boalia village in Naogaon Sadar told BSS that the cold has become so intense that it feels frightening to go to the fields, yet he must continue despite the hardship.
Auto-rickshaw drivers Salam and Bokkar at Tazer Moor said they often consider staying home due to the severe cold but are compelled to work for their livelihood. Passengers too are reluctant to venture out.
Swapan Ahmed of Hapania area said the cold intensifies further after evening, with fog and chilly winds multiplying the severity of winter. Surroundings have remained shrouded in fog since dawn. he added.
