Cold wave grips Bangladesh, harsher conditions likely ahead

A persistent cold wave accompanied by dense fog continues to disrupt daily life across Bangladesh, with the weather forecast indicating a possible intensification of cold conditions in the coming days.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) said the country has been experiencing a cold wave for three consecutive days, with seven districts reporting notable cold stress on Friday. While night temperatures may rise slightly until January 5, colder conditions are expected to return from January 6, with the possibility of a severe cold wave in some areas.

According to the forecast, minimum temperatures in parts of Rangpur, Rajshahi and Khulna divisions could drop to between 7 and 8 degrees Celsius. The BMD also warned that several cold waves may sweep across the country during January.

Jashore recorded the lowest temperature in the country for the second straight day, at 8 degrees Celsius on Friday. The prolonged cold has severely affected normal life, particularly in rural areas, with low-income communities and daily wage earners bearing the brunt.

Dense fog has disrupted road, river and air transport. At Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, nine flights were diverted to alternate destinations on Friday morning due to poor visibility. Fog-related road accidents were also reported from different parts of the country.

The Met Office said moderate to dense fog may persist from night until morning and, in some places, extend into the afternoon. Drivers have been advised to exercise caution. No rainfall is expected, with skies remaining partly cloudy and conditions largely dry.

Meanwhile, air quality in the capital deteriorated amid the cold spell. Dhaka’s Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 141 on Friday morning, categorised as “unhealthy for sensitive groups”.

Overall, meteorologists expect the chilly weather to persist through the first week of January, keeping much of the country under a wintry grip.