Panchagarh records country’s lowest temperature for 14th day as cold wave persists

A cold spell has been sweeping through Panchagarh, the country's northernmost district, for the past six days with the district recording the lowest temperature nationwide for the 14th consecutive day.

The Tetulia Weather Observatory recorded a minimum temperature of 9.7 degrees Celsius at 9:00am today, said Jitendranath Ray, an assistant officer at the observatory.

The season's lowest temperature so far, 8.9 degrees Celsius, was recorded last Thursday (December 11).

Jitendranath said cold winds from the Himalayan region, combined with clear skies, were intensifying the chill from evening through morning, while daytime temperatures remained comparatively comfortable due to bright sunshine.

On Monday, Tetulia recorded a maximum temperature of 27.2 degrees Celsius. Over the past two weeks, maximum temperatures in the district have ranged between 26.5 and 27.2 degrees Celsius.

Jitendranath said the ongoing mild cold wave is likely to continue for another two to three days. After a brief rise in temperature, colder conditions may intensify in the final week of December, with a mild to moderate cold wave possible.

Hospital sources said the number of patients suffering from cold-related illnesses has increased due to sharp fluctuations between day and night temperatures.

To ease the impact, the district administrations of Panchagarh and Thakurgaon are distributing blankets among cold-affected people.

Panchagarh Deputy Commissioner Kazi Md Saemuzzaman said 8,640 blankets have already been distributed across the district's five upazilas, with an additional 2,500 blankets allocated by the Chief Adviser's Office.

He said the administration has identified about 65,000 people in need of warm clothing and has taken steps to distribute higher-quality blankets so recipients will not require replacements for several years.

In neighbouring Thakurgaon, the district administration has distributed about 8,000 blankets across its five upazilas. Of these, 2,500 were provided by the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, while 5,000 came from the Chief Adviser's Office.

Private organisations and individuals have also joined relief efforts by distributing blankets and warm clothing.