United News of Bangladesh

A biting cold wave swept across large parts of Bangladesh on Tuesday, pushing temperatures down to the season’s lowest and disrupting daily life in at least 10 districts. According to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD), the country’s lowest temperature was recorded at 7.0°C in Rajshahi, as a mild to moderate cold wave continued to affect the region. “The current situation will prevail across the country till January 11 and from January 12 the temperature may rise,” said Omar Faruk, a meteorologist at BMD. In its regular bulletin, BMD said a mild to moderate cold wave is sweeping over Rajshahi, Pabna, Bogura, Dinajpur, Nilphamari, Panchagarh, Rangamati, Jashore, Chuadanga and Kushtia, and it may continue. The weather office also warned of moderate to thick fog over the country from midnight to morning, which may linger until noon in some areas. Such conditions could temporarily disrupt air navigation, inland river transport and road communication, it said. While both night and day temperatures may rise slightly, BMD noted that cold feelings are likely to persist due to foggy conditions. Meanwhile, a well-marked low-pressure area formed over the southeast Bay of Bengal and the adjoining East Equatorial Indian Ocean remains over the same area, with its associated trough extending up to the North Bay. At the same time, the ridge of the sub-continental high extends up to West Bengal and the adjoining western parts of Bangladesh. Life slowed in Chuadanga In Chuadanga, the cold wave has taken a heavy toll on daily life. Correspondents report that normal activities in the southwestern border district have been thrown out of gear as dense fog and piercing cold continue to grip the area. The season’s lowest temperature of 7.5°C was recorded at 9 am on Tuesday, according to the district’s first-class meteorological observatory. This is the lowest temperature recorded in Chuadanga during the current winter season. Meteorological officials said a mild to moderate cold wave is sweeping over the district and may persist until January 11 or 12. “Cold conditions are likely to continue for a few more days,” said Md Jaminur Rahman, acting officer-in-charge of the Chuadanga first-class meteorological observatory. Despite the freezing weather, low-income people were seen lighting fires early in the morning at street corners, bus terminals and tea stalls to keep themselves warm. Most residents preferred to stay indoors, venturing out only when necessary. 103 people die of cold-related illnesses in Rangpur in 3 days

Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has predicted rains at several places in seven divisions of the country including Dhaka in 24 hours commencing 9 am on Saturday. “ Rain or thunder showers with lightning flashes and temporary gusty wind is likely at a few places over Rangpur, Rajshahi, Mymensingh, Dhaka and Sylhet divisions and at one or two places over Khulna, Barishal  and Chattogram divisions with moderately heavy to heavy falls at places over Rangpur, Mymensingh & Sylhet divisions.,” said a Met office bulletin. Rains, thunder showers with lightning likely in all divisions in next 24hr: BMD Besides, mild heat wave is sweeping Dhaka, Tangail, Gopalganj, Rajbari, Sirajganj, Chandpur, Bandarban, Khulna, Satkhira, Bagerhat, Jashor and Jhenaidah districts and it may abate from some places,  it added. Day and night temperatures may fall slightly over the country, it said. Country’s highest temperature was recorded at 37.7 degrees Celsius in Khulna on Friday.  

As temperatures rise, prolonged heatwaves and increasingly erratic weather patterns are expected to intensify public discomfort in Dhaka in the coming months. Several regions across the country have been experiencing mild to moderate heatwaves since late March — a trend showing no signs of abating. Experts say that the mid-April temperature surge already resembles peak summer conditions, warning that intense heat and extended heatwaves may dominate most of the year, disrupting daily life.  Meteorologists predict further rises in temperature from late April through the middle of the year. According to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD), this month’s temperatures are likely to remain above normal, with an elevated risk of severe heatwaves across the country. Climate change has significantly altered Bangladesh’s weather patterns, impacting natural ecosystems, agriculture, livelihoods, and the broader economy.  Temperature may rise slightly in 24 hrs The country’s once-distinct six seasons are becoming increasingly blurred, with winter ending prematurely and summer-like heat beginning well before the official start of the season. As in recent years, BMD sources expect this year’s summer and monsoon seasons to be prolonged. Annual reports from the Met Office show that just a decade ago, Bangladesh regularly experienced prolonged cold spells in January and February, with dense fog and temperatures dropping to 7–8°C in parts of northern Bangladesh.  In contrast, the average minimum temperature this January stood at 13.6°C — about one degree higher than the previous year. Professor Ahmad Kamruzzaman Majumder, Chairman of the Centre for Atmospheric Pollution Studies (CAPS), told UNB that the average temperature in Dhaka has risen by over 3°C in the past 7–8 years. Winter-weary East Coast hit with another storm as temperatures plunge elsewhere “In 2017, the average temperature in areas under Dhaka South City Corporation was 33.50°C, which climbed to 36.54°C in 2024. The trend suggests a further rise by mid-2025. Dhaka North City Corporation has seen an even steeper increase — nearly 4°C. The average there jumped from 33.39°C in 2017 to 37.38°C last year,” he said. According to CAPS data, the most dramatic temperature increase was recorded in Mohakhali, where the average rose from 33.50°C in 2017 to 41.5°C in 2024 — a staggering 7.5°C rise. Areas such as Tejgaon, Mirpur-10, and Farmgate also saw temperature increases of over 3.5°C during the same period. He noted that heatwaves began affecting various regions from late March and are still ongoing. While some areas, including Dhaka, have experienced nor’westers, temperatures are likely to rise further. Professor Kamruzzaman emphasised the urgency of adopting climate-resilient policies and effective environmental measures.  “Only three of the six seasons are now discernible — summer, monsoon, and a shortened winter. Seasons like autumn, late autumn, and spring are gradually vanishing. Although several recommendations were made last year during extreme heat conditions and some government initiatives were taken, little progress is visible,” he said.  He blamed global warming, deforestation, unplanned urbanisation, and carbon emissions for causing severe disruptions. “If immediate steps aren’t taken, the situation may worsen in the coming years,” he warned. Chuadanga sees sudden fall in temperature Bazlur Rashid, a meteorologist at the BMD, told UNB that this year is also likely to experience higher-than-usual temperatures.  “While it is hard to pinpoint exactly when the temperature will peak, the mid-April heat indicates it may escalate soon,” he added. He pointed out a shift in heatwave patterns — previously beginning in March, they now start later and last longer. This year’s heat build-up began in late March and is expected to continue. Senior meteorologist Abul Kalam Mallik said climate change is impacting agricultural output, biodiversity, and overall living standards.  “The once six-season cycle is rapidly collapsing. Irregular rainfall, extreme heat, and prolonged droughts are becoming the new reality,” he said. Dr Farhina Ahmed, Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, said the Paris Climate Agreement target of limiting global warming to below 1.5°C has already been breached. “Accumulated greenhouse gases from fossil fuels continue to heat the planet. In Bangladesh, forest coverage has declined alarmingly, and rural water bodies are disappearing as canals and ponds are filled in. This loss of natural cooling agents is exacerbating the rise in temperature,” she said.      

Bangladesh Meteorological Department(BMD) has predicted slight rise in temperature over the country in 24 hours commencing 9am on Wednesday. “Day and night temperature may rise slightly over the country in 24 hours,” said a Met office bulletin on Wednesday. Weather may remain dry with temporary partly cloudy sky over the country. Trough of low lies over West Bengal and adjoining area. Seasonal low lies over the South Bay, it said . Rain, thundershowers likely over 3 divs, BMD says Country’s highest temperature was recoded at 35.5 degree Celsius in Rangamati on Tuesday.

Within a day, the temperature in the southwestern district of Chuadanga has dropped by 5.1 degree Celsius, standing at 10.4 degree Celsius. The sudden cold left low-income people, children and elderly ones in severe trouble. The district recorded temperature at 10.4 degree Celsius with 64 percent humidity at 9am on Friday, according to the local weather observatory office. The temperature on Thursday morning was 15.7 degree Celsius. Mild cold wave sweeps Chuadanga, intensifying winter conditions Jaminur Rahman, acting officer at Chuadanga’s first-class weather observatory, said the cold spell may persist until February 11 after which temperatures are likely to rise again. Earlier on January 31 and February 2, the district recorded 19 degree Celsius at 9am, resulting in relatively warmer daytime conditions. However, the current drop has caused suffering of outdoor workers and low-income people.

The mercury plunged by five degrees Celsius within a day in Chuadanga, ushering in the second cold wave of 2025. On Thursday morning, the district recorded the season's lowest temperature at 9.4 degrees Celsius, accompanied by 95 percent humidity, according to the Chuadanga Meteorological office. The severe cold and biting winds from the north have disrupted normal life, hitting the vulnerable hardest. Jaminur Rahman, in charge of the local observatory, said that the temperature recorded on Wednesday was 14.4 degrees Celsius, marking a significant drop in just 24 hours. The chilling weather has made life particularly difficult for laborers and low-income families. Ashraful Islam, a tea shop owner in Chuadanga town, shared his struggles. "It's extremely cold and sales have plummeted as people avoid venturing out," he said. Cold waves loom as dense fog grips Bangladesh Similarly, Habu Mia, a second-hand clothing vendor, noted a shift in demand. "Sales were slow at the start of winter, but they have picked up as the cold intensified," he mentioned. The Chuadanga district administration is distributing warm clothing, including blankets, to support those in need. Deputy Commissioner Zahirul Islam assured that efforts are underway to reach cold-stricken individuals. The lowest temperature recorded in Chuadanga this season was 8.7 degrees Celsius. The district experienced its all-time lowest temperature of 3.9 degrees Celsius on January 9, 2013.

The day and night temperatures may fall over the country in five days till Wednesday, according to Bangladesh Metrological Department(BMD). “Weather may remain mainly dry with temporary partly cloudy sky over the country, having chances of light rain/drizzle at one or two places over Rangpur division in 24 hours commencing 9am on Saturday.” Moderate cold wave with fog likely across the country: BMD Night temperature may rise slightly and day temperature may remain nearly unchanged over the country during the period, it said. Fog: Light to moderate fog may occur at places over the country during late night till morning. Ridge of sub-continental high extends up to West Bengal and adjoining area. Seasonal low lies over South Bay, extending it's trough to Northeast Bay. Dhaka’s air the world's 2nd worst this morning The country’s lowest temperature was recorded in Tentulia at 9.3 Degree Celsius today.

Panchagarh experienced the country’s lowest temperature on Friday morning, with the mercury dropping to 8.4 degrees Celsius. At 6 am, the temperature stood at nine degrees Celsius and fell further to 8.4 degrees by 9 am. Cold air from the Himalayas caused the temperature drop, according to Jitendranath Roy, officer-in-charge of the Tetulia Meteorological Office. Chuadanga shivers as temperature drops to 9.8°C The cold weather has severely impacted the district's vulnerable communities. Many daily wage earners, agricultural workers, and labourers have been unable to work due to the chill. Lacking sufficient warm clothing, they are struggling to survive. Delwar Hossain, a battery-run autorickshaw driver, said, “Dense fog and wind make it impossible to drive in the morning. Few passengers travel during this time, and my income has dropped.” Similarly, day labourer Lutfar Mia said, “Winter reduces work opportunities, and I am struggling to provide for my family.” Dry weather, fog, mild cold wave continue across Bangladesh: BMD Tea worker Aleya Khatun shared her struggles, saying, “In the morning, the dense fog wets the tea plants, making it difficult to pluck leaves. My hands and feet go numb from the cold.” District Agricultural Extension Officer Md Abdul Matin said, despite the cold, the weather benefits agriculture, particularly the cultivation of potatoes, wheat and corn. However, the cold has also increased patient numbers, particularly among children and the elderly. Panchagarh Civil Surgeon Dr Md Mostafizur Rahman said hospitals face greater pressure on outpatient and inpatient departments as winter-related illnesses rise. Dense fog halts Paturia-Daulatdia ferry route for 6 hours Panchagarh Deputy Commissioner Md Sabet Ali reported distributing 2,000 blankets through the upazila nirbahi officers of the district’s five upazilas. He added that the administration has requested additional allocations from higher authorities.  

The temperature of Chuadanga, the southwestern district of the country, has dropped to 9.8 degrees Celsius by 9am on Friday. A mild cold wave is blowing over the region today. The temperature will drop further day by day, according to Rakibul Hasan, senior observer of the Meteorological Office, Chuadanga. The temperature was recorded at 10 degrees Celsius at 6 am and further dropped to 9.8 degrees Celsius by 9am on Friday morning, accompanied by 88% humidity. Dense fog halts Paturia-Daulatdia ferry route for 6 hours Meanwhile, the harsh weather has led to a surge in cold-related illnesses, particularly among vulnerable groups like children and the elderly. Dr Rakib Sadi, resident medical officer at Chuadanga Sadar Hospital said that approximately 3,000 patients received treatment in the past week alone and among them, the number of children and the elderly is high. Besides, the farmers are more concern about the dense fog. The district agricultural extension department warned that high fog density and stability could adversely affect new paddy seedbeds.   

The lowest temperature of the country was recorded at 10.3 degrees Celsius at Tetulia in Panchagarh on Saturday, according to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD). Panchagarh district has been experiencing the lowest temperature for the last five days until Saturday. However, the intensity of the cold has decreased with the visibility of the sun. On Saturday morning, people went out for work wearing warm clothes. Ctg, Khulna, Barishal divisions may experience light rains: BMD Severe cold was felt throughout the night. Jitendranath Roy, acting in-charge of Tetulia Weather Observatory Centre, said the residents of the district have been witnessing 10.3 degrees Celsius for the past five days which is the country’s lowest temperature.