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.

Bangladesh is currently facing its first tangible cold wave of the season, with temperatures dropping sharply across various regions.  According to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD), a mild cold wave is sweeping over the northern and western districts, including Panchagarh, Rajshahi, Jashore, and Chuadanga.  This weather pattern is expected to persist over the coming days, accompanied by dense fog in many areas. The Meteorological Office reported that the lowest temperatures were recorded in northern districts, with conditions expected to remain challenging through mid-December.  Lalmonirhat shivers in cold weather The cold wave is being driven by the extended influence of the subcontinental high-pressure area over the West Bay of Bengal and adjoining areas.  Meanwhile, the low-pressure system in the South Bay of Bengal, extending toward the North Bay, continues to influence local weather patterns. International weather agencies have corroborated the forecasts, noting that Bangladesh is currently experiencing below-average seasonal temperatures.  Historical data indicates that December lows in the country typically range from 15°C to 19°C, while current readings in several districts have dropped to single digits, with Tetulia and Chuadanga recording some of the coldest temperatures. Looking ahead, the BMD forecasts that nighttime temperatures may decrease slightly over the next three days, while daytime temperatures may rise marginally.  Cold weather grips Kurigram as temperature drops to 16 degrees Celsius Moderate to dense fog is expected to persist during the early hours, especially in northern and central regions. By Tuesday,  both day and night temperatures may see a slight increase, offering some relief from the current cold spell. International agencies also predict drier weather conditions in Bangladesh through December, with no significant rainfall expected.  This is consistent with the seasonal pattern, as December typically experiences the lowest rainfall of the year.  Weather models further suggest that the extended high-pressure system over the region may keep temperatures suppressed until late December. As cold weather continues, Dhaka’s air quality still ‘unhealthy’ Residents are advised to take precautions against the cold, particularly during nighttime and early morning hours.  Vulnerable populations, including children and the elderly, are urged to avoid prolonged exposure to the cold.

The ongoing severe cold in Meherpur has crippled daily life, with temperatures plummeting and a thick fog enveloping the area. Despite the harsh winter conditions, the administration is yet to allocate warm clothing for the cold-stricken population. As temperatures continue to drop, residents have been battling the bitter cold by burning straw to stay warm. In the past week alone, 1229 patients, including 350 children, 509 women, and 370 men, have sought treatment at local hospitals due to illnesses caused by the cold Meherpur General Hospital, along with health complexes in Gangni and Mujibnagar, has reported a significant increase in cold-related cases, with many suffering from pneumonia, diarrhea, and respiratory issues. On Thursday, the Chuadanga Meteorological Office recorded the temperature in Chuadanga and Meherpur at 10.2°C at both 6 am and 9 am. Humidity levels were at 97%. The local weather office predicted the temperature will continue to drop in the coming days, with a cold wave expected to begin shortly. Rakibul Hasan, a senior meteorological observer at the Chuadanga Weather Office, said, "Fog covered the sky on Thursday, and the sky remained cloudy due to a low-pressure system. This weather is expected to continue tomorrow. A cold wave may begin in a few days, further lowering the temperature." Dry weather, fog, mild cold wave continue across Bangladesh: BMD The drop in temperature has left life in a standstill, with vehicles moving slowly and headlights on even during the day due to the dense fog. People and animals alike are struggling to survive in the harsh conditions, with many flocking to shops selling warm clothes. In addition to the rise in cold-related illnesses, the district’s hospitals are overwhelmed with patients. In Meherpur, 254 children, 363 women, and 293 men have been admitted to the 250-bed General Hospital in the past week alone. Similarly, 94 patients have been admitted to the Mujibnagar Upazila Health Complex, and 225 patients have been admitted to the Gangni Upazila Health Complex. Over three lakh people in the district are facing severe hardship due to the lack of warm clothes, with no government assistance provided so far. While a few voluntary organizations and individuals have distributed some warm clothing, there is still a dire need for more. Dr Jamir Mohammad Hasibus Sattar, superintendent of Meherpur General Hospital, said, "Most patients have come to the hospital in the past few days with cold-related illnesses. Diseases such as cold, cough, pneumonia, and breathing problems, along with cold-related diarrhea, are affecting many, particularly children and the elderly. We are advising people to keep children in warm places and to protect the elderly from cold-related diseases. We recommend staying indoors as much as possible and keeping themselves warm." Winter shopping frenzy in Narayanganj as cold weather sets in Meherpur Civil Surgeon Dr Mahid Uddin, said, "As the cold intensifies, various diseases are spreading. Health workers have been instructed to provide home healthcare, and sufficient medicines have been supplied to each union health center." Meherpur Deputy Commissioner Sifat Mehnaz said, "So far, no blankets, warm clothes, or cash have been allocated for the cold-stricken people. Only 400 blankets from the NGO ASHA have been distributed through institutional channels. However, discussions have taken place with the Director General of the Disaster and Relief Ministry, and the Meherpur District Council has decided to purchase blankets worth Tk 25 lakh for the cold-stricken people."    

The weather across Bangladesh is expected to remain mostly dry with a temporary partly cloudy sky over the next few days, according to BMD’s latest weather bulletin on Friday. A mild cold wave is sweeping through the northern and western regions, with districts such as Panchagarh, Rajshahi, and Chuadanga experiencing the chill. This cold wave is expected to persist for the time being, it said. Dense fog halts Paturia-Daulatdia ferry route for 6 hours Moderate to thick fog is likely to develop at various locations, especially during the midnight until noon, causing reduced visibility and potentially disrupting travel in the affected areas, the bulletin added. Both night and day temperatures are expected to fall slightly across the country.  

Mild cold wave may sweep the northwestern and western parts of the country from Saturday, said Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD).“Mild cold waves may sweep places in different parts of Bangladesh on December 14 to December 16 and the temperature may rise after that,” said Shahana Sultana, a meteorologist of BMD. Dense fog: Ferry services resume on two river routes in ManikganjModerate to thick fog may occur at places over northern and northeastern parts of the country and light to moderate fog may occur at places elsewhere over the country during midnight till morning, said a regular bulletin of the Met office. Weather may remain dry with temporary partly cloudy sky over the country.Night and day temperatures may fall slightly over the country. Chuadanga, Gopalganj shivering in cold waveCountry’s lowest temperature was recorded at 10.2 degrees Celsius in Chuadanga and Gopalganj district on Thursday.The Met office recorded 14.8 degrees Celsius in Dhaka at 6 am on Thursday.

Dense fog has enveloped the northern district of Kurigram for the last four days, causing extensive hardship to residents and visitors alike. With the escalation of the cold spell, the number of patients, mostly children and elderly, is increasing on a daily basis at hospitals. Those living in char areas, on riverbanks and low-income people are the worst sufferers of the cold wave, coupled with dew-like drops of rain. The local meteorological office recorded a 13-degree Celsius temperature at 6 am on Sunday. Day-labourer Rafiqul Islam, a resident from Kedar Union of Nageshwari Upazila, said it is hard to endure the cold wind coupled with dense fog. "Hands and legs get iced while working," he added. Autorickshaw driver Ashraful Hossain said they have to operate vehicles with headlights or slowly as close distances cannot be seen due to the fog. Naogaon records country’s lowest temperature at 9.9°C Subal Chandra Sarkar, acting officer of the Kurigram weather office, said that the district may experience two to three more cold waves after falling temperatures this month.  

Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has reported that a mild cold wave is currently affecting four divisions and several districts across the country, as of the morning of January 23, 2024. This weather pattern, characterized by lower temperatures and dense fog, is expected to continue and may abate in some areas.  According to the latest weather bulletin, the mild to moderate cold wave is impacting Dhaka, Rangpur, Rajshahi, and Khulna divisions, along with the districts of Moulvibazar, Barishal, Bhola, and Cumilla. This season’s lowest temperature of 6.6 degrees Celsius was recorded today in Chuadanga and Sirajganj, contrasting with the highest temperature of 27.5 degrees Celsius in Cox’s Bazar’s Teknaf upazila. The BMD classifies a mild cold wave as temperatures ranging from 8 to 10 degrees Celsius, a moderate cold wave from 6 to 8 degrees Celsius, and a severe cold wave as temperatures falling below 6 degrees Celsius. Read: Record-breaking low temperatures trigger school closures across Bangladesh  Alongside the cold wave, moderate to thick fog is expected to blanket the country from midnight to morning, potentially persisting until noon in some areas. This fog poses significant challenges to air navigation, inland river transport, and road communication. There is a slight expectation of rising night and day temperatures across the country. Furthermore, the BMD forecasts light rain or drizzle in one or two places over the Khulna division, while the rest of the country is likely to experience dry weather with partly cloudy skies. Residents, especially in the northern part of Bangladesh, have been facing severe cold for the last few days. This weather phenomenon has significantly disrupted normal life, affecting daily routines and transport services.  Read: Govt changes class schedule for primary schools due to cold wave 

Bangladesh is currently experiencing a significant cold wave, with the season’s lowest temperature recorded at 6.6 degrees Celsius in both Chuadanga and Sirajganj districts this (January 23, 2024) morning. This drastic drop in temperature has heavily disrupted daily life and routines. The government has directed the closure of all primary and secondary schools, including madrasas, if temperatures fall below 10 degrees Celsius. Despite this directive, some kindergartens and pre-cadet schools in Chuadanga have reportedly remained open. Tabibur Rahman, Chuadanga Primary Education Officer, confirmed the compliance with the government’s closure directive, citing the severe cold as the reason. The Chuadanga First Class Meteorological Observatory noted a significant drop in temperature over a single day, from 9.5 degrees Celsius yesterday morning to 6.6 degrees Celsius today, prompting residents to stay indoors. Read more: Secondary schools in Rajshahi closed due to cold; here are the details Rakibul Hasan, a senior weather observer, stated, “The district’s minimum temperature was recorded at 6.8 degrees Celsius at 6 am and 6.6 degrees Celsius at 9 am today, with an air humidity of 96 percent.” This temperature is close to the district’s historic lows, with the ever-lowest being 3.9 degrees Celsius recorded on January 9, 2013. Bazlur Rashid, a Dhaka-based meteorologist at the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD), confirmed the 6.6 degrees Celsius temperature in Sirajganj this morning, noting that both Chuadanga and Sirajganj are experiencing the season’s lowest temperatures simultaneously.

Classes at government primary schools will start from 10 am with immediate effect until January 31, in a bid to protect students from the effects of a cold wave sweeping over the country. UGC team investigates IU VC’s corruptions in teacher recruitment An office order signed by Deputy Secretary Mohammad Kabir Uddin was issued in this regard on Sunday. Earlier on January 16, the Ministry issued a circular over the closure of educational institutions under secondary level will also remain effective, it added. Monash University Foundation Year orientation program held at UCB According to the circular, “A cold wave is sweeping different parts of the country and as a result, the educational activities are being seriously hampered. The regional deputy directors in consultation with the district education officers can keep the educational institutions under secondary level shut if the temperature drops below 10 degrees Celsius in any district.” Primary, secondary-level edu institutions shut for Monday for severe cold in Bogura

All secondary-level schools in the northern district of Rajshahi have been declared closed for two days, starting from today (January 21, 2024), due to severe cold. All primary-level schools are also closed today, according to an official notification signed by Dr Sharmin Ferdous Chowdhury, deputy director (acting) of secondary and higher secondary education in Rajshahi zone. Local meteorological department yesterday predicted that the district would experience less than 10 degrees Celsius temperature for the next two days (January 21 and 22). Following the forecast, education officers of the district held a meeting yesterday and took the decision to keep the primary and secondary schools closed. Read more: UGC forcibly imposed GST system on us: JnU Teachers Association Saidul Islam, primary education officer of the district, told UNB’s Rajshahi correspondent that academic activity at the primary schools will remain closed only for Sunday but the offices will remain open as usual. “Observing Sunday’s weather, the next course of action will be decided,” he said. The district witnessed a fall of four degree Celsius temperature within a span of two days. The local Met Office yesterday recorded 9.8 degrees Celsius temperature against 13.8 degree Celsius a day before. Dense fog blankets the whole district while wind has been blowing. As a result, a severe cold is being felt. Rajib Khan, observer at Rajshahi Meteorological Observatory, said the minimum temperature in Rajshahi dropped to 9.6 degrees Celsius on January 13. The second lowest temperature of the season was recorded at 9.8 degrees Celsius at 7:30 am yesterday. Read more: Educational institutions shut in Kurigram due to cold wave On Friday, the minimum temperature was recorded at 13.8 degrees Celsius, he said. The temperature also decreased yesterday after dense fog had descended, he said, forecasting that such weather may persist throughout January. On January 16, Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE) issued a circular saying that the education authorities in any district can close down schools in case the temperature drops below 10 degrees Celsius. According to the circular, “A cold wave is sweeping different parts of the country and as a result the educational activities are being seriously hampered. The regional deputy directors in consultation with the district education officers can keep the educational institutions under secondary level closed if the temperature drops below 10 degrees Celsius in any district.” Read more: Mild cold wave sweeps 3 northern districts: Met Office