RANGPUR, Jan 5, (V7N) – The northern region of Bangladesh experienced significant relief from the biting cold as temperatures continued to rise for the third consecutive day, providing much-needed ease to residents.

The severe cold that had gripped the region earlier, with minimum temperatures ranging between 9 and 12 degrees Celsius, has gradually subsided. Since Friday, sunlight breaking through thick fog has contributed to warming conditions, bringing life back to normalcy.

The Rangpur Meteorological Office recorded the country’s lowest temperature at 9.7°C in Tentulia, Panchagarh, this morning. Elsewhere, minimum temperatures ranged from 12.5°C in Dimla to 14.5°C in Rangpur. Maximum temperatures have risen steadily, reaching between 27.5°C and 28.6°C on Saturday.

Vehicular movement, business activities, and public life across markets, bus terminals, and rail stations have picked up pace. Farmers, especially in char areas, have resumed planting Boro rice seedlings with renewed vigor.

"The chilly weather may improve until January 8, but another mild cold wave could return from January 9," said Md Mostafizar Rahman, Head of the Rangpur Meteorological Office.

Government and private organizations, NGOs, and philanthropists are actively distributing warm clothes to cold-affected populations across Rangpur Division’s eight districts. Rangpur District Relief and Rehabilitation Officer Md Motahar Hossain confirmed the ongoing distribution of 30,000 blankets to the region's most vulnerable residents.

Md Obaidur Rahman Mondal, Additional Director of the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) in Rangpur, assured that winter crop growth and Boro seedling plantations have not been significantly affected due to the gradual improvement in weather.

IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE

Agriculturist Md Mamunur Rashid, a PhD Fellow at Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, highlighted erratic weather patterns linked to climate change. “Morning temperatures drop significantly and rise by afternoon. While mild cold waves persist, crop growth remains largely unaffected,” he said.

Reports from Kurigram, Lalmonirhat, Gaibandha, Rangpur, Nilphamari, Dinajpur, Thakurgaon, and Panchagarh indicate eased hardships among residents, marking a hopeful turn in this year’s winter season.

END/RH/AJ/