Dhaka, Nov 29 (V7N) – The temperature in Panchagarh has plunged to 11.4°C, marking the lowest of the season on Friday, following drops to 12.2°C on Thursday and 13.3°C on Wednesday.

Russel Shah, acting officer of the Panchagarh Meteorological Department, stated, “The Bangla months of Poush and Magh are especially cold here, with temperatures expected to dip further in the coming days.”

Despite sunny mornings with minimal fog, the chill is unmistakable.

Daily Life Amid the Chill
Low-income residents continue their routines undeterred by the cold, while tourists flock to Panchagarh to experience the winter and the breathtaking views of Kangchenjunga.

In rural areas, women are busy processing harvested crops, and farmers endure frost-covered fields to collect vegetables like red spinach, bottle gourd, cauliflower, and coriander. Locals describe the dew-soaked fields as icy, leaving their hands numb.

“It already feels like Poush has arrived,” said residents Hanif Ali, Saher Ali, and Mohir Uddin.

Spike in Cold-Related Illnesses
The dipping temperatures have triggered a rise in cold-related ailments, including fever, cough, asthma, pneumonia, and diarrhea.

Panchagarh Modern Sadar Hospital and other healthcare facilities are inundated, treating 300–400 outpatients daily. More than 100 children and elderly individuals have been admitted with severe conditions.

An Early and Harsh Winter
Situated at the base of the Himalayas, Panchagarh experiences an early and prolonged winter. As the Bangla month of Hemanta transitions to Poush, residents are already relying on heavy blankets and warm clothes to combat the freezing nights.

With the season deepening, the district braces for even colder days ahead.

END/MSS/AJ