Dhaka, Jan 08 (V7N) — Winter has gripped Bangladesh with increasing severity, as Jessore recorded the country's lowest temperature at 12.8 degrees Celsius early Wednesday morning. Chilly winds and overcast skies are intensifying the hardship for people across various regions, with northern and coastal districts experiencing the brunt of the cold spell.

Northern Districts: Kurigram and Nilphamari

In Kurigram, the sky remains blanketed by clouds, with cold winds sweeping in from the Himalayas. The temperature dropped to 15.5 degrees Celsius, leaving lakhs of residents, especially in the Char areas, struggling to cope. Laborers are braving the cold to work in potato fields, while hospitals are reporting a rise in cold-related illnesses, particularly among children suffering from diarrhea.

In Nilphamari, the temperature in Saidpur was recorded at 15 degrees Celsius. Despite the absence of fog, the cold has intensified due to cloudy skies and freezing winds. Low-income workers are struggling to find work and warmth, with many resorting to lighting straw fires to combat the cold.

Coastal Areas: Kuakata and Bhola

Kuakata and Kalapara in Patuakhali are experiencing dense fog and overcast skies due to a low-pressure system in the Bay of Bengal. The sun was not visible even at noon, with temperatures continuing to drop. Tourists are avoiding the foggy beach, though some are captivated by the wintry coastal scenery. Local authorities have distributed 850 blankets out of the allocated 1,900, but many poor families remain in need of winter clothing.

In Bhola, the temperature was recorded at 14.2 degrees Celsius, with dense fog and cold winds amplifying the winter's intensity. The district has been experiencing temperatures between 12 and 14 degrees Celsius over the past few days, and a mild cold wave is expected to further lower the temperature from Thursday.

Tea District: Moulvibazar

Moulvibazar’s tea gardens are again facing harsh winter conditions. The temperature in Srimangal was recorded at 14 degrees Celsius, but dense fog and strong winds have made the cold more biting. Tea workers and low-income earners are finding it difficult to continue their daily activities under these conditions.

With temperatures dropping across the country, the impact of the winter is being felt most acutely by low-income and vulnerable populations. Authorities are urged to expedite the distribution of winter clothing and blankets to alleviate the suffering. Meanwhile, the Meteorological Department predicts that the adverse weather conditions may persist for several more days, with the possibility of further drops in temperature in some regions.

END/MSS/AJ