Cold spell likely for 3–4 more days

A biting cold, accompanied by dense fog and chilly winds, has tightened its grip across much of the country, including the capital, with the current conditions likely to persist for another three to four days, the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has said.

In its forecast issued on Monday (December 29) for the six-hour period from 7am, the BMD said moderate to dense fog may form in parts of the country, with some areas experiencing fog until noon. In Dhaka and adjoining areas, north or northwesterly winds may blow at 8–12 kilometres per hour.

At 6:00am, the temperature in Dhaka stood at 14 degrees Celsius with humidity at 95 percent. The city recorded a maximum temperature of 17.9 degrees Celsius on Sunday, while Monday’s minimum temperature was 13.8 degrees Celsius. Sunset in Dhaka is expected at 5:21pm.

The persistent cold has led to a rise in cold-related illnesses, with hospitals reporting an increasing number of patients suffering from fever, cold, cough and respiratory problems.

Due to dense fog, the Ministry of Shipping on December 25 issued an emergency directive suspending the movement of all types of water vessels during poor visibility.

The BMD said day and night temperatures across the country are likely to remain nearly unchanged. Dense fog may temporarily disrupt air traffic, inland waterways and road communications.

Meteorologist Shahnaz Sultana said although no cold wave is currently sweeping the country, weather conditions resemble those of a cold wave. “Both the maximum and minimum temperatures have dropped, and the gap between them has narrowed. When this difference reduces, the feeling of cold intensifies,” she said, adding that prolonged absence of sunshine has prevented the ground from warming up, further increasing the chill.

She said the prevailing conditions may continue for another three to four days. Temperatures could rise slightly on January 1 and 2, before falling again from January 6 to 7.

On Sunday, the lowest temperature in the country was recorded at 9.8 degrees Celsius in Nikli, Kishoreganj, followed by 11 degrees Celsius in Tarash, Sirajganj. Most parts of the country recorded minimum temperatures between 11 and 14 degrees Celsius, while Dhaka logged a low of 14.3 degrees Celsius.

The highest temperature was recorded in Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar, at 28.6 degrees Celsius. Elsewhere, maximum temperatures ranged between 17 and 24 degrees Celsius, with Dhaka recording a high of 23 degrees Celsius.