Panchagarh, Dec 08 (V7N) – Due to cold winds blowing from the north, temperatures in Panchagarh continue to fluctuate, increasing the intensity of winter and causing severe hardship for residents of the district.

On Monday, the Tentulia Weather Observatory recorded the lowest temperature of the day at 10.4 degrees Celsius at 6:00 am, with air humidity at 84 percent. The highest temperature recorded on Sunday was 26.7 degrees Celsius. For the last five consecutive days, Panchagarh has recorded the lowest temperature in the country, with a mild cold wave currently sweeping the region. This 10.4 degrees Celsius reading is the lowest temperature recorded so far this winter season.

Field observations show that as evening sets in, cold intensifies along with dense fog. Dewfall becomes heavier deep into the night, and fog, dew, and cold persist until morning. Although sunshine during the day eases the cold slightly, people who go out early in the morning for work continue to face extreme difficulties.

The rising cold has led to an increase in patients suffering from cold-related illnesses at Panchagarh Modern Sadar Hospital and the district’s four upazila health complexes. At the same time, winter clothing shops and traditional winter pithapuli stalls have become increasingly busy across markets and footpaths. The cold spell has also begun to affect agricultural fields and livestock in several areas.

Local residents say daily life has become increasingly difficult. Nur Islam, a resident of Shalbahan area in Tentulia upazila, said it has become very hard to work in the fields early in the morning due to the cold. Similarly, Ayub Ali, a van driver from the Boda Sakoa area, said the cold makes it nearly impossible to go out in the morning, adding that suffering is greatest from evening until the following morning.

Jitendranath Roy, officer-in-charge of the Tentulia Upazila Weather Observatory, said that the low temperature is largely due to Panchagarh’s proximity to the Himalayas. He added that temperatures may fluctuate further in the coming week and could drop again.

Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner Kazi Sayemuzzaman said the government has so far allocated Tk 30 lakh for winter clothing. Using this funding, winter clothes have already been purchased and sent for distribution across all five upazilas of the district. He added that additional requests have been sent to the concerned ministry to ensure cold-affected people receive further assistance.

END/SMA/AJ