Dhaka, Jan 05, (V7N) - The first spell of a severe cold wave has disrupted daily life across Bangladesh, with rural areas bearing the brunt of the harsh weather conditions. The sharp drop in temperature, particularly in the northern regions, has caused significant challenges for the population, with dense fog delaying the appearance of the sun, according to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD).
 
The BMD's weather outlook for January predicts one to two moderate to severe cold waves in the western, northwestern, northern, and northeastern parts of the country. In addition, the rest of the country may experience two to three mild to moderate cold waves over the course of the month.
 
Health officials have reported an increase in cases of cold-related diseases, especially among children and the elderly. Many individuals have been admitted to local health facilities for treatment.
 
The dense fog, which has blanketed large parts of the country, has also caused significant disruption to communication systems. Slow vehicle movement on highways has been observed due to limited visibility, hampering transportation efforts.
 
In Barishal, the demand for winter clothing, including blankets, kanthas, comforters, and sweaters, has surged as temperatures continue to fall. The cold wave has placed a heavy financial burden on low-income individuals, particularly in Barishal city and nearby areas.
 
Various government and non-government organizations across districts such as Feni, Rangpur, Jamalpur, and Dinajpur have been distributing blankets and warm clothing to the affected population.
 
In Manikganj, ferry services on the Paturia-Daulatdia route, which were suspended on Friday night due to dense fog, resumed operations on Saturday morning. The fog had earlier caused a halt in ferry movement at 11 pm and was cleared by 6:30 am.
 
In districts like Chandpur and Sirajganj, the cold has exacerbated the difficulties faced by low-income workers. In Sirajganj, temperatures dropped to 12.2°C, leading to slow vehicle movement on the Jamuna Bridge West Link Highway.
 
Similarly, in Jhenaidah, daily wage earners and destitute individuals are struggling to cope with the cold, with dense fog settling across the district. The minimum temperature in Jhenaidah is expected to remain at 13°C.
 
In Satkhira, the sun did not appear until 1:45 pm on Saturday, with temperatures recorded at 13.2°C at 6 am. Local workers are attempting to alleviate their suffering by lighting fires.
 
The BMD also issued a forecast stating that a mild cold wave is affecting the Panchagarh district, with dense fog likely to persist until the following morning. The fog could disrupt air travel, inland river transport, and road communications.
 
The BMD recorded the lowest temperature on Friday at 9.4°C in Tetulia, Rangpur Division, with the highest temperature of 28.2°C recorded that morning. As of today, the minimum temperature in Tetulia remains at 9.4°C, while Dhaka city has recorded 13°C. The weather office has predicted that the cold wave will continue to affect the country throughout the coming days.
 
END/SMA/RH/