Rajshahi, Jan 03, (V7N) - A strong cold wave has intensified across northern Bangladesh, including Rajshahi Division, since the final day of 2024, continuing into the first days of 2025. On January 1, 2025, the country recorded its lowest temperature in Dinajpur, measuring 10.6°C. The cold has been exacerbated by a lack of sunshine and the presence of biting northwest winds, making the region feel unbearably chilly throughout the day.

Temperature Records Across Northern Bangladesh

According to Toffajul Hossain, Officer-in-Charge at Dinajpur’s Regional Meteorological Observatory, the temperature has been gradually dropping. On December 31, 2024, Dinajpur recorded 11.4°C as its lowest temperature, while on January 1, it dropped further to 10.6°C, marking the coldest day of the year. This drop has resulted in bone-chilling cold and widespread discomfort.

Several other regions in northern Bangladesh have also been severely affected by this cold wave. On January 1, 2025, temperatures recorded across different locations were as follows:

Kurigram (Rajarhat): 11°C

Naogaon (Badalgachi): 11.8°C

Panchagarh (Tetulia): 12.5°C

Nilphamari (Syedpur): 12.4°C

Rangpur: 13°C

Bogura: 13.8°C

Despite the low temperatures, the region’s cold wave has been intensified due to dense fog that has engulfed the areas throughout the day, leading to poor visibility and making the cold feel even more unbearable. On January 1, fog was so thick that vehicles were forced to use headlights during the day to navigate the roads.

Impact on Daily Life and Local Communities

The intensity of the cold has severely disrupted the lives of local residents, especially in the rural areas of Kurigram, Panchagarh, and Rajshahi. In Kurigram, the temperature dropped further by 0.5°C over the past 24 hours, with the lowest recorded at 11°C on January 1. The region has been plagued by dense fog, which has persisted through the morning hours, causing significant disruption to local life. Local authorities have been warning residents about the impact of the cold wave and advising them to stay indoors as much as possible.

The situation is particularly dire for low-income individuals, including day laborers, rickshaw-pullers, and agricultural workers, many of whom are struggling to make a living under these harsh weather conditions. These vulnerable groups are using firewood to keep themselves warm, and shelters have been set up in some places to offer temporary relief.

Efforts to Provide Relief to Cold-Stricken Communities

In Panchagarh, one of the hardest-hit areas, local government authorities have responded by distributing 25,000 blankets to the needy. On January 1, the Tetulia weather station in Panchagarh recorded the lowest temperature of the season at 11.6°C. Local government officials have assured that more relief efforts are underway, including the distribution of additional blankets and warm clothing.

In Bogura, the situation is equally grim. The lowest temperature recorded was 12.7°C, and although slightly higher than other regions, the city is still experiencing harsh cold conditions. Authorities have warned that temperatures could drop further in the coming days, continuing to affect both the urban and rural populations. With the ongoing cold wave, the local healthcare authorities are also on high alert, as elderly individuals, children, and those with pre-existing health conditions are at greater risk of cold-related illnesses.

Disruptions to Regular Life

The dense fog and severe cold have made transportation and daily activities difficult in several areas. In Kurigram, road conditions have been severely affected, with visibility dropping to near zero at times, forcing vehicles to use headlights even during the day. This has slowed down both personal and commercial transportation. Furthermore, cold-related illnesses such as respiratory problems, fever, and joint pain have been on the rise, especially among the elderly population.

Locals in these cold-hit areas are trying to protect themselves by using all available means to stay warm, including burning firewood, gathering in groups for warmth, and seeking shelter in community centers where blankets and other warm materials are being distributed.

Weather Forecast and Future Outlook

Meteorologists are predicting that the cold wave may persist for several more days, with temperatures expected to remain low across the northern and northwestern parts of the country. Experts are warning that the cold may intensify even further, especially at night. They have advised the public, especially vulnerable groups, to take precautions to avoid exposure to the cold.

In the coming days, areas such as Rajshahi, Naogaon, Nawabganj, and Pabna are expected to experience similar conditions, with temperatures ranging from 9°C to 12°C. The northern part of Bangladesh is predicted to continue experiencing cold weather, with a slight chance of moderate to heavy fog in the mornings.

Local officials are also urging residents to take necessary measures to prevent cold-related health issues, including wearing warm clothes, keeping homes insulated, and consuming warm foods and drinks to maintain body heat.

END/MRA/SMA/AJ/