Dhaka, Jan 07 (V7N) — The intensity of winter has increased across Bangladesh, including the capital, with a mild to moderate cold wave expected to persist over ten districts on Wednesday, January 7, according to the Meteorological Department’s regular bulletin issued Tuesday night.

The bulletin noted that a low-pressure system has formed over the southeastern Bay of Bengal and the adjoining eastern equatorial Indian Ocean region, which has developed into a well-defined low and is currently stationary in the same area. The system is expected to move west-northwestward and intensify. An extension of this low reaches the northern Bay of Bengal. At the same time, an extension of the subcontinental high-pressure belt is present over West Bengal and adjoining western parts of Bangladesh.

Under these conditions, the weather across the country is likely to remain dry with temporarily partial cloudiness over the next 24 hours. From midnight to morning, moderate to dense fog may form nationwide, persisting in some areas until midday. The dense fog could temporarily disrupt air travel, inland water transport, and road communications.

The districts affected by the mild to moderate cold wave include Rajshahi, Pabna, Bogura, Dinajpur, Nilphamari, Panchagarh, Rangamati, Jessore, Chuadanga, and Kushtia. Daytime and nighttime temperatures may rise slightly, but foggy conditions will continue to intensify the feeling of cold across the country.

On Tuesday, Rajshahi recorded the season’s lowest temperature at 7°C, while the capital experienced a minimum of 11°C.

Meteorologist Dr. Md. Bazlur Rashid explained, “Air pollution has increased the presence of suspended particles in the atmosphere, preventing the fog from dissipating. Reduced sunlight due to dense fog is enhancing the perception of cold.”

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