A mild to moderate cold wave sweeping across large parts of Bangladesh has begun to affect daily life, agriculture and health, particularly in the northern districts, as temperatures dip and dense fog blankets vast areas of the country.
According to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD), a cold wave is currently prevailing over Rangpur and Rajshahi divisions, as well as the districts of Gopalgonj, Moulvibazar, Cumilla, Feni, Khulna, Jashore, Chuadanga and Kushtia.
The situation is likely to persist in the coming days.
In its latest bulletin issued on Thursday morning, the Met office said moderate to thick fog may occur over river basins, while light to moderate fog is expected elsewhere during the late night to morning hours.
Ongoing cold wave likely to continue till Jan 11
Despite the cold conditions, the weather is forecast to remain dry, with a temporarily partly cloudy sky across the country. Night temperatures are expected to remain nearly unchanged, while day temperatures may rise slightly.
The country’s lowest temperature on Thursday was recorded at Srimangal in Sylhet at 7.0 degrees Celsius. Dhaka registered a comparatively milder 12.5 degrees Celsius.
Meanwhile, meteorologists are also monitoring a deep depression over the southwest Bay of Bengal. The system, which intensified from a depression at 6 am on Thursday, is moving west-northwestwards and is likely to cross the Sri Lanka coast.
Its associated trough extends up to the North Bay, while a ridge of the sub-continental high pressure system stretches across West Bengal and the adjoining western parts of Bangladesh.
Severe Cold in Lalmonirhat
From Lalmonirhat, UNB’s correspondent reports that a severe cold wave has gripped the district, accompanied by dense fog and chilling winds, significantly disrupting normal life.
The Rajarhat Meteorological Observatory recorded the district’s lowest temperature at 10.3 degrees Celsius at 9 am on Thursday. Subal Chandra Sarkar, acting officer of the Kurigram Rajarhat Meteorological Office, warned that temperatures may fall further in the coming days.
Severe cold wave paralyses Chuadanga
Heavy fog covering roads and open fields during the early morning hours has slowed traffic, particularly on highways and regional roads.
The impact has been especially harsh on daily wage earners, rickshaw pullers and agricultural labourers, many of whom are unable to work, pushing already vulnerable families into financial hardship.
Children and elderly people remain the most at risk as cold-related illnesses rise. Local health facilities, including Upazila Health Complexes, have reported an increased number of patients seeking treatment for cold-induced ailments.
The cold spell has also posed challenges for farmers. To protect Boro paddy nurseries and winter vegetable fields, cultivators are taking additional precautions.
However, the prolonged lack of sunlight caused by dense fog has raised concerns over the potential spread of crop diseases.
Read more: Cold and fog bite into Narail’s honey season
Residents have urged the authorities to ensure adequate distribution of winter clothing among the poor and vulnerable, warning that the suffering of low-income families could intensify if the cold wave continues.