Just last week, social media was abuzz with the “grim” possibility of yet another “warm” winter as temperatures were suddenly up due to the influence of Cyclone Michuang which wreaked havoc on neighbouring India.
At the same time, some netizens were discussing whether it was time to start putting on winter clothing which have been neatly tucked away in their closets for almost a year.
As the influence of the cyclone has worn off following a more than 24-hour cold shower, Dhaka streets are seeing commuters in full-on winter clothes this morning, indicating a rather auspicious sign for many: Winter is finally here!
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According to Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD), the temperature in the city was recorded at 21 degree Celsius at 11:16 am on Sunday. The met office forecast shows the temperature may hit as low as 18.2 degrees today.
The lowest temperature this morning was recorded at 13.5 degree Celsius in Tetulia, the country’s northernmost upazila.
According to BMD, the night temperature across the country may fall by 1-3 degrees Celsius over the next 24 hours while the day temperature may remain unchanged.
As winter sets in, carts selling seasonal delights like Bhapa Pitha and Chitoi Pitha are popping up on Dhaka’s streets and alleys.
However, amid the quiet celebration which winter brings in a city that usually struggles with unrelenting heatwaves for months, lower temperatures are also a cause of concern for people who are clearly not privileged enough to relish the many delights of winter.
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While commuting to work, this UNB correspondent witnessed the plight of people living on the streets which has been exacerbated by this sudden temperature drop.
While not quite similar to the uncertainties that plague the fantasy realm of Westeros during winter, this winter has brought its own brand of unpredictability for Dhaka residents, particularly in anticipation of the 12th parliamentary election scheduled for January 7.
Sohel Abdullah, a banker in Motijheel, the capital’s financial district, hopes a calm situation will prevail in the coming days.
“Typically, heading to the office on winter mornings is quite draining. But this year, there’s a different vibe. There’s an underlying fear stemming from the political uncertainty shrouding the country, particularly the capital,” Sohel said, referring to the arson attacks and vandalism during the recent blockades enforced by BNP and like-minded opposition parties to realise their demand for the 12th parliamentary election to be held under a nonpartisan government.
“I’m hopeful that the situation will normalize in the coming days and we’ll be able to go to office without any tension,” he added.