First cold wave of season grips country, expected to intensify

Bangladesh is experiencing its first cold wave of the season, with temperatures plunging across several districts.

The lowest temperature was recorded today in Panchagarh's Tetulia at 8.4 degrees celsius. Mild cold conditions have also been reported in Rajshahi and Chuadanga, with temperatures reaching 9.7 degrees celsius and 9.4 degrees celsius, respectively.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has forecast that the cold wave may intensify over the next three days, accompanied by dense fog.

According to BMD, a "mild cold wave" occurs when temperatures remain between 8.1°C and 10°C for three consecutive days.

Moderate, severe, and very severe cold waves are categorised by temperatures of 6.1 degrees celsius to 8 degrees celsius, 4.1 degrees celsius to 6 degrees celsius, and below 4 degrees celsius, respectively.

The cold wave has disrupted transportation, particularly ferry services. Dense fog led to the suspension of the Paturia-Daulatdia ferry route for six hours.

Over 100 vehicles were stranded as ferry operations halted at 2:30am due to safety concerns. Services resumed at 8:30am once visibility improved, according to Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation Deputy General Manager (Aricha Sector) Nasir Chowdhury.

In Dhaka, temperatures around 15 degrees celsius have led to foggy mornings and cool breezes. Commuters and day labourers have reported hardships due to the cold weather.

Shamim Hossen, a day labourer from Uttara, said, "We have been waiting for work for hours, but the cold has disrupted most activities. Without work, I cannot provide for my family."

Similarly, rickshaw puller Ibrahim from Agargaon noted a significant drop in earnings, saying, "I have not earned even Tk100 by noon, whereas I usually earn more than Tk 500 by this time."

Government and private organisations have been taking initiatives to help the low-income residents of areas hit hard by the cold.

Panchagarh Deputy Commissioner Md Sabet Ali told TBS that Tk15 lakh had been allocated to purchase 2,000 blankets and winter clothing for distribution among the district's cold-stricken residents.

"Various organisations have also privately distributed around 10,000 blankets," he added.

The BMD predicts that the cold wave, currently affecting the northern districts, may extend to southwestern regions in the coming days.

Assistant Meteorologist Kazi Zebunnesa said, "Temperatures might rise slightly after 16 December, but fog conditions are likely to persist."

She added that the fog situation has emerged earlier this year compared to last, disrupting ferry routes and airport operations.

Meteorologists attribute the current weather pattern to cold air from Bihar, India, merging with moisture-laden air from the Bay of Bengal, creating dense fog across the country.

They have advised caution during travel, particularly from midnight to morning, and recommended preparations to mitigate cold-related illnesses.

With reduced sunlight due to fog and smaller differences between day and night temperatures, the sensation of cold is more pronounced.

The BMD believes that this winter could last longer than in previous years, urging residents to brace for extended chilly conditions.