Air navigation, inland river transport and road communication may face disruption due to dense fog in the next five days from 9am on Sunday. Parts of the country may experience moderate to dense fog from midnight to morning  during the period, according to a regular bulletin of Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD). Light rain or drizzle likely in northern region of Bangladesh in 5 days: BMD Weather may remain dry with temporary partly cloudy sky over the country. Meanwhile, night and day temperatures may rise slightly over the country during the period. Biting cold and chilling winds disrupt daily life in Naogaon Ridge of sub-continental high extends up to West Bengal and adjoining area. A seasonal low lies over South Bay, extending it's tough to Northeast Bay. The country’s lowest temperature was recorded at 09.7 degree Celsius.

Parts of the country have been grappling with a mild cold wave coupled with winds, causing public sufferings.   The low-income people, children, senior citizens are the worst sufferers of the severe cold that threw daily life out of gear. People affected by cold-related diseases are rushing to hospitals while the healthcare providers are struggling to cope with the patients’ pressure. Moreover, local agricultural departments issued cautionary messages for cultivated potatoes and seedbeds of Boro paddy. The country’s northwestern district Panchagarh recorded the lowest temperature at 8.3 degrees Celsius on Friday morning. Earthquake jolts Sylhet, no damages, casualties reported Md Rokanuzzaman, an observer at Tetulia Weather Observatory Centre in Panchagarh, said they recorded the season’s lowest temperature at 8:3 degree Celsius at 9am. The humidity was 100 percent and the speed of winds remained 12 to 13 kilometres  per hour, he said.  The observer said they recorded 20.4 degree Celsius on Thursday, a hike by 12.1 degree Celsius than that of Friday. On the other hand, Chuadanga recorded temperature at 10.8 degree Celsius, an increase by 1 degree Celsius compared to the previous day. According to the weather office, the district recorded the lowest temperature at least four times this season. Rakibul Hasan, senior observer at Chuadanga Weather Observatory, said a mild cold wave was sweeping across the district and it might continue for the next few days. Fisherman Ashik Sardar said they couldn’t go for fishing due to the severity of the cold. Dhaka enveloped in dense fog as winter deepens across Bangladesh Three-wheeler van driver Token Ali said, “I don't want to go out of the house in the winter. But if you sit at home, we will go hungry. So I have to go out. But there are no people on the streets. I can't find passengers.” Meanwhile, due to the cold, the crowd of people suffering from cold-related diseases has increased in the district hospitals, upazila health complexes, private hospitals and private chambers of doctors. Doctors and nurses are struggling due to the overcrowding of patients, especially in the pediatrics, diarrhea and medicine departments. Mahbubur Rahman, consultant of the pediatric department of Sadar Hospital, said the number of two types of child patients has increased due to winter--cold-related diseases and rotavirus diarrhea. The pressure of pediatric patients is increasing per day and on an average 60 patients are receiving treatment in the inter-department pediatric ward. Besides, 50 to 60 patients are being treated in the diarrhea ward. On the other hand, the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) has issued a special alert to protect potato fields and Boro paddy seedbeds. Masudur Rahman Sarkar, deputy director of the district’s DAE, said the paddy seedbed should be irrigated in the afternoon and drained out the next morning. Moreover, remove the dew from the seedlings in the morning, if possible, cover it at night, he said. Farmers have been advised to spray fungicides in potato fields so that they do not get fungus in advance. Officials of the Agriculture Department are performing their duties carefully at the field level to oversee the overall affairs, he added.

Shivering cold has gripped the residents of Panchagarh district with temperature dropped to 9.4 degrees Celsius. The temperature, recorded at 6 am at 9.8 degrees Celsius, dipped further to 9.4 degrees by 9 am on Sunday, according to Jitendranath Roy, in charge of the Tetulia Weather Observation Center. The region is experiencing a mild cold wave, he added. Despite sunshine, the biting cold has been hampering the daily life of people. Although daytime temperatures have risen slightly due to sunlight, the chill intensifies in the afternoon, said locals. Vehicles have been using headlights even during the day as the dense fog has reduced visibility. Many residents, especially low-income workers, had to venture out despite the severe 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."    

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.  

Chuadanga and Gopalganj have been shivering as a cold wave coupled with wind is sweeping the districts. Chuadanga weather office recorded the country’s lowest temperature at 10.2 degree Celsius in Chuadanga and nearby Gopalganj district on Thursday. Vehicles were seen moving with headlights on Thursday morning to avoid accident due to poor visibility, taking time to reach destination. Read: Severe cold grips Kurigram, low-income residents hit hard The low-income people, day labourers are the worst sufferers amid the knee-shaking cold as they have to move out of home to earn bread. Rakibul Hasan, senior observer at Chuadanga First Class Weather Observatory Office, said the humidity in the wind was 97 percent at 9am. He said cold may increase in the next few days.

The northern district of Kurigram has started experiencing cold weather as the temperature continues to drop coupled with dense fog, throwing daily life out of gear. Over the past week, the mercury fluctuated between 17°C and 15.6°C, with Sunday morning recording the lowest temperature at 15.6°C. Though daytime temperatures remain bearable, the severity of the cold aggravates from late night to early morning, blanketing the district under thick fog. Vehicles are moving with headlights on, causing delays in transportation while Kurigram General Hospital is witnessing an increase in patients suffering from cold-related illnesses. On the other hand, day labourers and farmers are among those hit worst by the weather. Many are struggling to reach work on time while the underprivileged residents of 405 char (riverine) areas face severe suffering due to the chilly weather. Read: Cold weather grips Kurigram as temperature drops to 16 degrees Celsius Ruhul Amin, 40, a resident of Ghogadah in Kurigram Sadar, said for the past five to six days, the cold has been increasing. At night, it feels like drizzle because of the fog. It’s hard to work in this weather but they have no choice. Echoing Ruhul, another day labourer Abu Bakkar, 52, said they must leave for work before others even wake up. No matter how cold it gets, they can’t afford to skip work. Subal Chandra Sarkar, acting officer of Kurigram Weather Office, said that chilly winds are expected by the end of November or early December, which could further intensify the chill.

A prolonged heatwave has significantly increased patient admissions in hospitals throughout Dhaka, with the city's medical facilities struggling to cope with the additional burden.  Most admissions involve heatstroke, fever, cold, diarrhoea, and pneumonia, ailments that disproportionately affect children. Patients and their families face severe heat within hospital premises as well, worsening conditions for those already suffering. Many hospitals, including Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH), have reported a surge in cases since Eid, with no space left even on the floors, forcing many to resort to makeshift solutions like hand fans or small table fans. Abul Malek, from Dhaka’s Nodda area, was admitted at DMCH. His son Nadim told UNB, "The heat is unbearable, and the lack of available beds has left my father to receive treatment on the floor. The situation would have been somewhat manageable with lower temperatures." Severe heatwave in Khulna: Day labourers forced to work in dangerous conditions In response to the dire situation, Brigadier General Md. Asaduzzaman, Director of Dhaka Medical College Hospital, emphasized their efforts to improve conditions. "We're swapping out all malfunctioning fans and adding new ones wherever possible. Additionally, technicians have been instructed to ensure separate lines for fans and lights to prevent electrical issues." Patient admissions have reportedly doubled at Kurmitola General Hospital, Mugda Medical College and Hospital and Dhaka Shishu Hospital as well since Eid. The majority of these patients are suffering from diarrhoea and pneumonia. The emergency and outpatient medicine departments are under the most pressure, facing the highest patient load. Professor Dr. Farid Ahmed, Head of General Pediatrics at Dhaka Shishu Hospital, highlighted the impact of the heatwave on young patients: "With the heat continuing, children are particularly vulnerable to heatstroke and other diseases, which have led to an alarming rate of hospital admissions. We are struggling to provide enough beds." Public health expert and former director of Disease Control at Directorate General of Health Services, Professor Dr. Be-Nazir Ahmed, stressed the severity of the situation, noting, "The current heatwave is unbearable. It not only raises the risk of cholera but also heightens the likelihood of other diseases. Extreme temperatures disrupt normal bodily functions, posing life-threatening risks and increasing susceptibility to various infections." Fear of fruit failure grips mango growers in Chapainawabganj as heatwave Intensifies The authorities have urged the public to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary and avoid direct exposure to extreme temperatures. With schools reopening, there is an increased concern for children's safety, necessitating heightened awareness and preventive measures against foodborne diseases and dehydration. This crisis underscores the pressing need for improved infrastructure and preparedness to handle climate-induced health emergencies, particularly for the most vulnerable populations such as children.

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

People in Kurigram and Lalmonirhat districts have been experiencing bitter cold as 15 degrees Celsius temperature is prevailing in the districts, causing sufferings to the poor people. In Lalmonirhat, a bitter winter breeze accompanied by dense fog has been prevailing in the district, disrupting the normal life of people, especially the poor people. A thick fog covered the sky of the five upazilas of the district from Thursday night. Vehicles were seen plying the roads with headlights on during daytime while the children and elderly people were seen shivering due to a lack of warm clothes. Import-export through Lalmonirhat’s Burimari land port off for Kali Puja The farmers preferred to stay at home as they failed to go to their respective fields due to the shivering cold. As the weather is getting colder, more people are getting admitted to the hospital with cold related diseases. Nirmalendu Roy, Lalmonirhat Civil Surgeon, said mostly children are getting admitted to the hospital with pneumonia and other cold related diseases. Lalmonirhat health division has taken steps to provide special medical services. Tk 7 crore bridge in Lalmonirhat left unused due to no approach road In Kurigram, people are experiencing the bone-chilling cold as the weather office has recorded 15.0 degrees Celsius temperature in the district. The day labourers are worried about warm clothes and work due to the cold. Lalmonirhat Sramik League activist killed in attack by BNP men, locals say Subol Chandra Sarkar, officer-in-charge of Kurigram Razarhat Observatory Centre, said the Met office recorded 15.0 degrees Celcius on Sunday but it may abate in the coming days.