Tetulia, in the northern district of Panchagarh, has recorded the country’s lowest temperatures for six consecutive days, as a persistent cold wave grips the region. Residents have faced bitterly cold conditions, with life disrupted for the daily wage earners and the general population. At times, the cold wave is moderate, while at other times it is mild, but the effect on daily life remains severe.
According to the Tetulia Meteorological Observatory, the minimum temperature was recorded at 8°C at 9:00 am on Wednesday. Humidity levels stood at 98 per cent, with wind speeds ranging between 8 and 10 kilometres per hour. Residents experienced bone-chilling cold throughout the night, worsened by persistent drizzle and fog. Dense fog lingered into the morning, and although the sun peeked from the eastern sky after 9:00 am, its warmth was insufficient until after 10:00 am.
The cold wave in Tetulia began on 6 January and has continued uninterrupted for nine days. During this period, daytime minimum temperatures ranged from 6.8°C to 9.2°C. Notably, from 9 January to 14 January, Tetulia consistently recorded the lowest temperatures nationwide.
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department classifies cold waves according to temperature as follows:
| Temperature (°C) | Cold Wave Intensity |
|---|---|
| 2 – 4 | Extremely severe cold wave |
| 4 – 6 | Severe cold wave |
| 6 – 8 | Moderate cold wave |
| 8 – 10 | Mild cold wave |
On Wednesday morning, a visit to various areas of Panchagarh Sadar revealed streets and lanes shrouded in thick fog, with an almost eerie silence prevailing. A few residents ventured out for essential errands, while some households attempted to keep the cold at bay by lighting small fires. Farmers covered their livestock with tarpaulins or blankets to protect them from the cold. Traffic on main roads moved cautiously with headlights on due to limited visibility.
Speaking from the helipad area of the Sadar Upazila, van driver 46-year-old Sholeman Ali said, “The fog is incredibly thick. My clothes, eyebrows, and hair are wet. You cannot see beyond ten cubits. My hands and feet ache from the cold, and water is running from my nose and eyes.”
Tetulia Meteorological Observatory’s acting officer, Jitendra Nath Roy, told the press, “This cold wave has lasted for nine days. Dense fog was present this morning, but the sun is expected to emerge later, which should provide some relief to the people.”