Since the beginning of Poush, the first month of the Bangladeshi winter, the intensity of cold weather has been gradually increasing. By the second week, a firm grip of winter seems to have settled across the country. Skies shrouded in mist and fog obscure the sun, allowing only brief glimpses before it disappears once again. The arrival of frigid winds from the Himalayas in recent days has further amplified the harshness of the cold. The biting chill and dense fog have begun to disrupt normal life, with meteorologists warning that the cold spell is likely to intensify further in January.
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has forecast that temperatures may drop slightly nationwide on Monday and Tuesday. By the end of this week, a mild cold wave is anticipated, which could expand its reach in the first week of January.
Observations from Friday night to Saturday morning reported moderate to dense fog across several regions, with some areas experiencing fog continuing until the afternoon. Dhaka and surrounding areas witnessed light to moderate fog in the morning, and although the sun made brief appearances, it was quickly obscured by the persistent haze. The lowest recorded temperature in the country on Friday was 8.8°C in Jessore, while Dhaka recorded a minimum of 13.5°C.
Saturday’s BMD forecast indicated that temperatures would remain largely unchanged throughout the day and night. Dense fog in some areas could continue until afternoon, temporarily disrupting air travel, inland water transport, and road communications. The chill and fog are expected to maintain the perception of extreme cold in many regions.
Regional Impact and Minimum Temperatures:
| Region | Minimum Temperature (°C) | Notes on Local Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Jessore | 8.8 | Labourers fewer in number due to extreme cold; cold-related illnesses reported. |
| Rajshahi | 10.0 | First cold wave of the season; daily activities disrupted; brief sunshine disappears quickly. |
| Rangpur | 11.5 | Dense fog and frigid winds cause severe disruption; transport difficulties; ongoing cold wave. |
| Phulbari | 11.2 | Life and daily activities largely paralysed by cold. |
| Dhaka | 13.5 | Morning fog; brief sun appearances; normal life impacted. |
| Barisal | N/A | Hundreds of boats stranded in mid-river due to dense fog; ferry services temporarily halted. |
| Rajbari/Gopalganj | N/A | Ferry operations resumed after 14-hour suspension caused by thick fog. |
The cold has impacted both urban and rural life. In Jessore, daily wage workers gathering at Lal Dighi have halved in number due to extreme temperatures. Rajshahi, Chapainawabganj, Naogaon, and Natore are similarly affected. In Barisal and other southern districts, dense fog led to suspension of ferry services, leaving hundreds of boats stranded mid-river. After 14 hours, normal operations resumed on routes including Daulatdia-Paturia and Aricha-Kazirhat.
Meteorologists advise residents to take precautions against cold-related illnesses such as fever, cough, and diarrhoea. With the combination of persistent fog and icy winds from the north, Bangladesh is bracing for the peak of its winter chill in the weeks ahead.