Naogaon’s Badalgachhi logs season's lowest temperature at 6.7°C

Naogaon's Badalgachhi upazila recorded the country's lowest temperature this winter today, as mercury fell to 6.7°C -- around 5°C lower than at the same time yesterday -- according to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD).

Kazi Jebunnessa, a meteorologist at the BMD, told The Daily Star, "At 6:00am and 9:00am today, the country's lowest temperature was recorded in Naogaon's Badalgachhi upazila at 6.7°C. Yesterday, the temperature in the same area was 11°C at the same time."

The BMD also reported that minimum temperatures in Gopalganj, Chuadanga and Jashore hovered around 7°C this morning.

Meanwhile, data from the Rangpur Meteorological Office showed that temperatures across the northern region dropped by 2–3°C compared to yesterday.

"A mild cold wave is currently sweeping across the country and is expected to persist in varying degrees throughout the month," Jebunnessa said.

"However, the sun is likely to remain visible in most districts, including the northern region, over the next two days," she added.

As of 9:00am today, the Rangpur Meteorological Office recorded temperatures of 8.4°C in Rangpur, 7.5°C in Tetulia of Panchagarh, 8.7°C in Dinajpur and 9.2°C in Gaibandha.

Jebunnessa also said there is a possibility of one to two severe cold waves later this month, which may push temperatures down further.

According to UNB, as the sun sets, the cold intensifies. Streets disappear under thick fog in the district through the night, easing only slightly after sunrise.

Even then, the brief warmth offers little relief from the frosty conditions that continue to disrupt daily routines.

"During the day the sunlight makes it somewhat bearable, but once evening comes, we have to bundle up," said Ahsan Habib, a resident of Doktar's Mor.

At night, he said, sleeping without two or three layers of blankets is impossible.

For those who earn their living outdoors, the cold has hit especially hard.

Abdus Salam, a van driver from Barunkandi, said the evening chill and dense fog have made transport difficult.

"Fog lasts until sunrise. It becomes nearly impossible to carry passengers safely at night," he said.

As hospitals are already feeling the pressure, Dr Abu Jar Gaffar, resident medical officer at the 250-bed Naogaon Hospital, said hundreds of patients, including children, adults and the elderly, are seeking treatment for cold-related illnesses.

"We are treating patients suffering from pneumonia, diarrhoea, asthma, respiratory complications and TB," he said, adding that around 200 patients are currently admitted and receiving continuous care.

Confirming the temperature drop, Mizanur Rahman, Officer-in-charge of the Badalgachhi Weather Station, said the 6.7°C reading marks the beginning of a cold wave in the region.

"Temperatures may fall further in the coming week," he warned.

In response to the worsening situation, the district administration has stepped up relief efforts.

Warm clothing is being distributed among the poor and daily wage earners to help them cope with the extreme cold.

Naogaon District Relief and Rehabilitation Officer Md Ashekur Rahman said Tk 6 lakh has been allocated for each upazila, amounting to a total of Tk 66 lakh for all 11 upazilas, to ensure timely assistance.

In addition, 30,600 blankets have been supplied from the prime minister's relief fund, the Ministry of Disaster Management, and the district council, with distribution currently underway.

As Naogaon braces for colder days ahead, residents hope the relief reaches the most vulnerable before the mercury dips any further.