The  residents of Dhaka woke up to a blanket of dense fog on Saturday morning as temperatures dropped significantly, disrupting daily life. The city experienced a chilly 16 degrees Celsius, according to the Met Office bulletin issued on Friday. A thick layer of fog enveloped the city, forcing vehicles to use headlights during daylight hours. Panchagarh sees foggy weather Commuters struggled to find transport in time due to poor visibility. Many city dwellers opted to stay indoors, particularly as several educational institutions remained closed following the end of annual examinations. The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) forecast light to moderate fog in parts of the country from midnight to Saturday morning. Dense fog: Ferry services resume on two river routes in Manikganj Nighttime temperatures are expected to rise by 1-2°C, while daytime temperatures may drop slightly. On Friday, the country's highest temperature of 31°C was recorded in Bandarban and Sandwip, while the lowest temperature of 10.7°C was noted in Tetulia on Thursday.  

The sale of winter clothes has increased at shops and different markets in Jashore town as cold has tightened its hold in the region for  the last few days. According to the Bangladesh Metrological Department , the temperature in Jashore dropped to 12.6°C on Wednesday, compared to a daytime high of 27.8°C and the same trend continued  from Friday to Tuesday. As the cold becomes more biting, people have been flocking to winter clothes shops. Dhaka 3rd most polluted city in the world this morning Makeshift stalls on Mujib Road, the Zila Parishad’s second-hand clothing market, and the Collectorate market are buzzing with buyers. Mujib Road footpath stalls and the Zila Parishad’s old clothes market saw a significant rush on Friday and Saturday. Shoppers were seen selecting sweaters, hoodies, caps, jackets, trousers and full-sleeve shirts for themselves and their families. Visiting the makeshift shops the UNB correspondent found sweaters priced between Tk 250 and Tk 300, hoodies from Tk 250 to Tk 400, caps and shirts from Tk 150 to Tk 350, jackets from Tk 300 to Tk 700, trousers  from Tk 100 to Tk 300, and full-sleeve shirts ranging from Tk 60 to Tk 100. Arif Hossain, a vendor at Mujib Road footpath , said, “Hoodies, trousers and full-sleeve shirts for children are selling well. The increased cold has boosted sales.” Another vendor, Siam, said they have displayed a variety of items to attract buyers. Harun Gazi, a trader at the Zila Parishad market, said there is high demand for children’s sweaters, jackets, and hoodies but  sale of  clothing for adults remained relatively low. Mild cold wave sweeps Chuadanga, intensifying winter conditions Sayera Khatun, a shopper at the market, said, “It’s getting colder. I came to buy winter clothes for my daughter and got her a sweater and a cap.” Another shopper, Shamsher Ali, shared, “I bought winter clothes for my young grandchildren.” Poppy Khatun and Asma Begum said  prices of new clothes seemed higher than last year although second-hand clothing remained affordable. BMD predicts cooler nights ahead Arman Hossain, another vendor, expects sales to increase further as the cold will intensify in the coming weeks. “With Poush approaching, colder weather is likely, and business will pick up even more. Sales are already better than last year.”

Bangladesh Meteorological Department has predicted rains in parts of Bangladesh including in Dhaka division from Friday amid the winter, that may further intensify the cold weather. “Moderate to heavy rainfall is likely at places over Dhaka, Khulna, Barishal and Chattogram divisions during next 72 hours commencing 6 am of 20 December,” said a Met office bulletin on Tuesday. Dry weather, fog, mild cold wave continue across Bangladesh: BMD The low pressure area lies over central parts of South Bay of Bengal and adjoining area, its associated trough extends up to North Bay, it said. Ridge of sub-continental high extends upto West Bengal and adjoining area. Weather may remain dry with temporary partly cloudy sky over the country in 24 hours from 9am on Tuesday. Night temperature may rise slightly and day temperature may remain nearly unchanged over the country. Temperature may fall further in next 5 days: BMD Light to moderate fog may occur at places over the country during midnight till morning. Country’s lowest temperature was recorded at Tentulia at 09.01 degrees Celsius today.

The temperature of Chuadanga, the southwestern district of the country, has dropped to 9.3 degrees Celsius by 9am on Sunday, intensifying winter conditions. Rakibul Hasan, senior observer at the Meteorological Office, reported that the temperature was recorded at 9.5°C at 6 am., and it further dropped to 9.8°C by 9 am., with the humidity reaching 88%. Dhaka's air ‘very unhealthy’ on Friday morning A mild cold wave is sweeping across Chuadanga, bringing with it a severe drop in temperature. As a result, the people in the region are enduring harsh winter conditions. According to the Chuadanga Meteorological Office, winter has been affecting Chuadanga district since the start of this month. However, the temperature is expected to rise slightly, bringing an end to the cold wave by the end of the day. Following this, the weather will become more tolerable as temperatures gradually increase. Meanwhile, the harsh weather has led to a surge in cold-related illnesses, particularly among vulnerable groups like children and the elderly. BMD predicts cooler nights ahead In addition, farmers are increasingly concerned about the dense fog. Earlier, the district’s Agricultural Extension Department issued a warning that the high fog density and its persistence could negatively impact the newly planted paddy seedbeds, potentially hindering crop growth.

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.   

As winter weather sets in, the demand for warm clothing has started to rise in Narayanganj, with both city markets and street stalls seeing a boom in sales. The streets and rural areas are now covered in fog, signaling the arrival of colder temperatures. While light fog was observed in urban areas in the morning, it cleared by midday, but the temperature continues to drop, making warm clothes increasingly necessary. Fog shrouds Dhaka; people feel pinch of winter The cold weather has led to a change in people's clothing preferences, with many starting to wear warm items like sweaters, jackets, gloves, earmuffs, and shawls. As a result, the sale of winter clothes has picked up, with small traders setting up stalls along roadsides and in markets across the city, including popular areas like Chashara Hawkers Market, Salimullah Road, Bangabandhu Road, and Shayesta Khan Road. Shops and stalls are now filled with a wide variety of winter clothes for all ages, from children to the elderly. Both new and second-hand clothing is available, with colorful sweaters, jackets, woolen gloves, socks, earmuffs, and more on display. Kurigram battles intense winter, poor desperate for warm clothing Shoppers have been flocking to these markets, especially in the evenings, to buy clothes for themselves and their families. In Chashara, several shops near the Hawkers Market have already started selling winter clothes. Shoppers are roaming through the stalls, picking out items they like, while others continue to compare prices and styles at different shops. Many people are buying clothes for their children, parents, or for themselves. According to the sellers, the evening hours see the highest number of customers. Vendors said that sales are brisk during the early winter, with the demand for warm clothing growing due to the cool weather. However, they note that sales typically slow down as winter progresses. The clothes available in these markets are sourced from various local garment factories, as well as from countries like China and the Philippines. Winter cloth sale rises on Lalmonirhat footpaths Some vendors have informed that their stalls are particularly popular due to the affordable prices. Deep Hossain Fahim, a seller in Chashara, mentioned that velvet T-shirts from China and the Philippines are in high demand, especially among young people. "The sales are good, but we know that towards the end of winter, demand will decrease," he said. Other sellers, like Md. Saiful Islam, offer a variety of winter items, including sweaters, jackets, and full-sleeve T-shirts made of thick fabric. Shimu Akhter, who was at a stall with her mother and daughter, said that the colder weather prompted her to buy winter clothes for her child. "The weather office says it will be colder this year, so I am looking for good winter clothes at affordable prices. The prices here are much lower than in the shopping malls," she added. Another shopper, Jahangir, shared that he prefers buying local winter clothes as he prepares for cold weather abroad. "I lived in Europe for a long time and prefer buying locally made clothes because they are often cheaper and of good quality," he said. Other shoppers, like Lata Debnath and Tasmia Akhter, also expressed satisfaction with the variety and prices of winter clothes available at the stalls on the footpath. Many people are choosing to buy from these stalls, finding good deals and a wide selection of items, compared to the higher prices in bigger stores. Lata Debnath said, "Winter has arrived, and I need to buy warm clothes. I also need to buy clothes for my parents, so I came with my mother to shop." Overall, the winter clothes market in Narayanganj is thriving as people gear up for the colder months, with both large shops and small street vendors contributing to the rise in sales.

Kurigram is currently under the grip of an intense winter, with temperatures plummeting and fog covering roads and fields from midnight until morning. The chill is so severe that it has disrupted normal life and left many, especially the poor, desperate for warm clothing. Winter cloth sale rises on Lalmonirhat footpaths On Tuesday morning, the temperature in the district was recorded at a chilling 15.5 degrees Celsius. For the most vulnerable—homeless individuals, day labourers, and low-income families—this cold is more than just uncomfortable; it is a daily struggle for survival. In Jagmohan Char, a remote river island in Bhogdanga union, residents are bracing against the bitter cold. “It’s very difficult in the cold. I can’t even work on time,” said one local. Winter settles over Bangladesh: Cooler days and nights ahead “Since yesterday, it’s been so cold that we can’t go out of the house. At night, it’s also very uncomfortable in bed. We are poor people; even if we could get 1-2 blankets, it would be a great help,” he added. These words reflect the plight of hundreds across Kurigram, especially in areas bordering the district’s rivers. The region is home to over 300 chars (river islands) and island chars, where low-income communities are suffering without adequate winter protection. The relentless cold and dense fog have left labourers and daily wage workers in an agonizing position, forcing them to work outdoors with minimal warmth. Sylhet experiences heavy loadshedding every hour despite winter approaching The Kurigram Weather official Subal Chandra Sarkar said the temperature in the region has been fluctuating between 12-16 degrees Celsius over the past 15 days, with the potential for a cold wave to hit the area by mid-December. In addition to the discomfort, local hospitals are witnessing an uptick in cold-related illnesses, as people struggle to stay healthy amid the freezing temperatures, he added.

As winter deepens across Bangladesh, a distinct drop in temperatures is being observed nationwide.  The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) forecast cooler days and nights, with temperatures expected to decline further in the coming weeks. In its latest 72-hour forecast issued Tuesday night, the BMD said that nighttime temperatures are likely to fall by 1–2°C, while daytime temperatures could also experience a slight decline.  The weather is expected to remain mostly dry, with light to moderate fog in some areas during the late night and early morning hours. Winter in Bangladesh unlikely to begin before January: Meteorologist A seasonal low-pressure system over the South Bay of Bengal and its extension into the northeastern Bay has contributed to these conditions, marking the transition into a more typical winter pattern.  The five-day extended outlook suggests temperatures may dip even further, intensifying the chill across the country. December: A Time of Mild Yet Distinctive Winters December heralds a shift in Bangladesh's climate, characterised by dry conditions, cooler nights, and pleasant days. According to international weather monitoring agencies, the average daytime highs in most regions range between 25°C and 27°C, while nighttime lows fall to around 14°C to 17°C.  Cities like Dhaka, Chattogram, and Sylhet experience low humidity levels and abundant sunshine, making the weather conducive to outdoor activities and travel. Dhaka’s air quality 7th worst this morning Dhaka: Daytime temperatures typically hover between 16°C and 26°C, with little to no rainfall. Chattogram: The coastal city enjoys mild winter weather, with temperatures ranging from 17.5°C to 25°C. Sylhet: Known for its hilly terrain, Sylhet experiences cooler conditions, with lows reaching 13°C. Historical Context and Cultural Significance Winter in Bangladesh is a season of festivities and agricultural activities. Farmers utilise this time to cultivate crops like rice and vegetables under favourable  conditions.  Cities and rural areas alike embrace the cooler weather, with fairs, weddings, and outdoor events in full swing. But, the chillier nights and potential fog can pose challenges for vulnerable communities, particularly in northern districts, where temperatures tend to be lower.  Travellers are advised to exercise caution during early morning hours when visibility may be reduced due to fog. Light rains likely in Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram divisions Advisory for Residents and Visitors The BMD recommends light jackets for evenings and early mornings and staying updated on weather conditions, especially for those traveling long distances.  International visitors are encouraged to explore Bangladesh during this period, with key destinations like Cox’s Bazar, the Sundarbans, and tea gardens in Sylhet offering an ideal blend of pleasant weather and scenic beauty. As the winter chill intensifies, Bangladesh prepares to embrace a season of natural beauty, cultural celebrations, and a much-anticipated respite from the heat.

Winter's cozy appeal often tempts us to indulge in comfort foods and stay indoors, making it harder to keep the extra kgs off. With colder weather and lower motivation to stay active, cravings for rich, hearty meals increase. However, winter doesn’t have to mean weight gain—by following simple, effective strategies, you can maintain or even improve your fitness throughout the season. Why is it Difficult to Lose Weight in Winter? Unlike summer, people love to stay indoors during the colder months. Winter lifestyle often leads to the ignoring of regular exercise and diet. Let’s consider the key reasons why it is hard to maintain or lose weight during the winter season. Lower Activity Levels Shorter days and colder weather often reduce outdoor activities. For many people, winter means fewer walks, less jogging, and a reduction in sports or activities that require leaving the warmth of home. This drop in activity naturally affects calorie expenditure, leading to a slower metabolism and, consequently, potential weight gain. Read more: 10 Delicious Quinoa Recipes for Weight Loss Comfort Food Cravings During the colder months, we crave warm, filling foods high in calories, fats, and carbs. These cravings are not just psychological—your body uses more energy to keep you warm, which can cause you to crave denser, more energy-rich foods. Reduced Sunlight Exposure Winter’s reduced sunlight can lower vitamin D levels, affecting mood and leading to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) for some. SAD often causes fatigue, sadness, and carb cravings, reducing motivation to exercise and eat well. Low energy and mood make it harder to maintain fitness and balanced nutrition during the season.  Changes in Metabolism Colder weather triggers the body to maintain its internal temperature, which can slightly increase the human body’s metabolic rate. However, this increase is inadequate to offset higher calorie intake from comfort foods. Instead, our bodies may go into a mild "hibernation mode," where metabolism slows as activity decreases, making weight loss a bit more challenging. Read more: Delicious Oatmeal Recipes for Weight Loss Tips to Avoid Winter Weight Gain Though people want to live a more relaxed lifestyle during the colder months, following some strategies can prevent gaining extra pounds. Stay Active Indoors When outdoor exercise feels less appealing, find ways to keep moving indoors. There are countless ways to stay active at home, from following online workout videos to using home fitness equipment. You can try online classes in yoga, dance, or high-intensity interval training (HIIT).  Create a home gym setup with resistance bands, dumbbells, or kettlebells. You can also incorporate bodyweight exercises like squats, lunges, and push-ups that require minimal space. Staying active at home burns calories and keeps your mood and energy up during those winter days. Read more: 10 Best Teas for Weight Loss Set Winter Fitness Goals Sometimes, all it takes is a goal to keep you focused. Setting specific, achievable goals like improving strength, running a certain distance, or completing a workout challenge can provide motivation. Winter is a perfect time to work on endurance, flexibility, or strength, as these can be developed indoors with minimal equipment. Embrace Seasonal Vegetables and Light Comfort Foods Winter foods do not have to be heavy to be comforting. Root vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, and parsnips, along with leafy greens like cabbage and spinach, are winter staples that are both nutritious and satisfying. Try making lighter versions of classic comfort foods, like soups and stews with plenty of veggies, lean proteins, and low-sodium broths. Practice Mindful Eating Mindful eating is all about slowing down and truly savouring each bite, which can help reduce overeating. In winter, many people tend to eat more out of boredom or to seek comfort. Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to hunger cues and avoid eating in front of screens. Try to focus on each meal, chew thoroughly, and consider portion sizes. Read more: Healthy Weight Gain Strategies: Add pounds fast safely, naturally Choose Snacks Wisely Smart snacking can prevent winter weight gain by curbing cravings and stabilizing energy. Choose high-protein, high-fibre options like yoghurt with apple slices with peanut butter. These snacks keep you full and help avoid unhealthy choices later. Stick to small portions and avoid sugary snacks that lead to quick energy spikes and crashes. Control Your Stress Managing stress, especially during the winter season, can help prevent weight gain. High stress increases cortisol, a hormone that can lead to weight gain and cravings for junk food. To keep stress levels low, try techniques like exercise, meditation, yoga, or deep breathing. These methods help control cortisol and reduce the likelihood of overeating unhealthy foods. Boost Your Vitamin D Levels Lower sunlight exposure in winter can lead to a drop in vitamin D, which plays a role in maintaining a healthy immune system and mood. You can boost vitamin D by spending a few minutes outside when the sun is out, even on colder days. Try including vitamin D-rich foods like fish, egg yolks, and fortified dairy. Consider discussing supplements with a healthcare provider. Read more: Postpartum Weight Loss: How to lose baby weight fast after pregnancy Stay Hydrated It is common to drink less water in winter because the cold weather may make you less thirsty. However, hydration is just as essential in winter as in summer. Water helps keep metabolism running efficiently and prevents overeating, as thirst is sometimes mistaken for hunger. You should carry a water bottle around, and drink herbal teas for warmth and hydration without added calories. Prioritize Sleep Adequate sleep is essential for weight management because it regulates hormones that control hunger and appetite. Short winter days may disrupt sleep cycles, but try to maintain a regular sleep schedule. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night to keep energy levels balanced and reduce cravings for sugary or high-carb foods. Make Exercise a Social Activity Staying active can be more fun with friends or family. Look for local winter sports or try virtual workout challenges with friends. Many gyms also offer winter workout programs or challenges that can help you stay consistent. Making fitness a social commitment adds accountability, increasing the likelihood of sticking to your routine. Read more: 5 Healthy Winter Soup Recipes for Weight Loss Plan Your Meals Ahead Meal planning can help you avoid impulsive food choices that are high in calories. Prepare meals for the week, focusing on balanced nutrition and portion sizes. If you have healthy, ready-made meals at hand, you are less likely to reach for high-calorie options. Keep Meals Balanced with Protein and Fiber Winter meals often have plenty of carbs but lack protein and fiber, both essential for feeling full and managing weight. Protein boosts metabolism and reduces appetite, so aim for 25–30 grams per meal from sources like meat, poultry, fish, beans, and quinoa. Fiber also supports fullness and prevents overeating. Include fiber-rich foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and nuts to help maintain balance and control calorie intake during festive meals. Do not Skip Workouts It can be tempting to skip workouts when it is dark and cold outside, but consistency is key. Even short workouts, such as a 20-minute HIIT session, can be effective. Maintaining a regular exercise routine will keep your metabolism running and help offset any extra calories from winter foods. Read more: How to Lose Weight without a Strict Diet or Heavy Exercise Final Words Winter weight gain is avoidable with proactive habits. By recognizing winter’s triggers and making mindful choices, you can stay active, eat well, maintain balance, and lose extra pounds. Relish seasonal treats without derailing your health goals. With the right approach, you can enjoy the cold season feeling energized and motivated. Embrace winter, stay mindful, and prioritize your health throughout the season. Read more: How Does Fat Leave the Body When We Lose Weight?

With winter approaching, quality shawls become a wardrobe essential for those seeking warmth and style. Among luxury winterwear, the Pashmina shawl stands out for its timeless elegance, crafted from the ultra-fine fibers of the Changthangi Mountain Goat. Originating in Ladakh in northern India, these shawls carry a rich cultural heritage and are highly sought after worldwide. However, the market is flooded with imitations, making it crucial to know how to distinguish a true Pashmina. Here’s a guide on identifying an authentic Pashmina shawl and ensuring your investment reflects its genuine beauty and craftsmanship. 5 Effective Ways to Spot A Real Pashmina Shawl Feel the Softness  The hallmark of genuine Pashmina is its uniquely fine softness without compromising warmth. A gentle stroke over Pashmina feels feather-light, with an even smoothness across its entire surface. In contrast, synthetic or blended shawls often feel coarse, stiff, and less flexible, lacking the delicate texture of authentic Pashmina. Read more: How to Declutter Your Wardrobe to Donate Some Clothes Observe the Weave Original Pashmina fabrics are handwoven with traditional techniques. It results in a distinctive, slightly uneven weave that reflects the artisanal craftsmanship behind each piece.  Machine-made shawls, on the contrary, have a uniform, flawless weave, lacking this character. Holding the fabric reveals subtle differences, with these irregularities highlighting the skill and heritage embedded in pure Pashmina, all without compromising its flexibility or warmth. Sunlight Test Authentic Pashmina doesn’t shine when exposed to sunlight, as its natural fibers absorb light rather than reflect it. If a shawl glitters in direct light, it likely contains silk, nylon, or other synthetic materials. Read more: How to Choose the Best Fabric for Your Suit Though finely woven, this fabric is not transparent, meaning sunlight does not pass or refract through it; instead, it effectively blocks light. Static Check To test for synthetic content, gently rub the edge of the shawl between two fingers. Synthetic fibers generate static electricity through friction, causing the fibers to stand upright. Since the original Pashmina is made from natural wool, friction does not generate static electricity. As a result, the fine wool fibers remain in place without standing up when rubbed. Read more: How to Identify an Authentic Bangladeshi Jamdani Saree? Flame Test This test should only be used when other methods leave doubts, as it is best avoided unless necessary. It remains a highly effective technique for verifying authentic Pashmina, but caution is essential. Gently pull a small thread from the shawl and burn it. Genuine Pashmina will emit a scent similar to burning hair and turn to fine, powdery ash. In contrast, synthetic fibers will begin to melt, releasing a plastic-like odor and leaving a hardened residue as they burn. In a Nutshell Spotting a real Pashmina shawl requires attention to key characteristics that distinguish it from its synthetic counterparts. Texture, weave patterns, and burn tests offer physical indicators, while sunlight transparency and friction behavior further help identify natural versus synthetic fibers. Each method ensures an investment in a genuine piece of luxury crafted from Changthangi goat wool, embodying traditional craftsmanship. These five steps provide a reliable approach, enabling the selection of a true, high-quality shawl suited for warmth in winter and elegance. Read more: Personal Grooming Tips and Tricks for Better Life and Career