The city of Rajshahi is grappling with severe winter chills that have disrupted daily life across the district. Over the past week, temperatures have steadily dropped, and biting winds have made the cold feel even harsher. The city’s most vulnerable residents, particularly labourers and those living in precarious conditions, are bearing the brunt of the discomfort.
According to the Rajshahi Meteorological Office, the lowest temperature recorded on Sunday, 21 December at 6:00 am was 13.2°C, with humidity at a high 96 per cent. Over recent days, the cold snap has continued to intensify, affecting normal routines and outdoor activities.
| Date | Minimum Temperature (°C) | Humidity (%) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 December | 12.0 | – | Coldest of the season so far |
| 13 December | 12.0 | – | Seasonal minimum repeated |
| 20 December | 14.6 | 98 | Early morning chill noted |
| 21 December | 13.2 | 96 | Latest recorded minimum |
| 19 December | 15.2 | – | Previous day minimum |
Even though temperatures remain above 10°C, the strong winds exacerbate the cold, making outdoor work extremely uncomfortable. Construction workers, street vendors, and domestic helpers are struggling to cope.
Rafiqul Islam, a construction worker from the Kadirganj area, explained: “It is very difficult to work in this biting cold. The wind makes it feel even colder. But if I do not work, my family will go hungry.”
Domestic worker Masuma Khatun added: “Working from morning until evening in this weather is very tough. Even touching water is unbearable, but life leaves us no choice but to continue.”
Latifa Helen, a weather observer at the Rajshahi Meteorological Office, noted that this cold spell is likely to persist for another two to three days, warning residents to take necessary precautions, especially the elderly and children.
For many in Rajshahi, the combination of low temperatures and strong winds has turned simple daily routines into challenging ordeals. As local labourers and domestic workers battle the cold for survival, the city’s chill highlights the harsher realities of winter for those with little shelter and limited resources.