Mercury may continue to dip over next few days

A cold spell has been sweeping over the capital since the first day of the year, disrupting lives, as the gap between the day and night temperatures has narrowed.

According to Bangladesh Meteorological Department's forecast, the temperature is expected to fall further in the coming days of the month, as one or two moderate to severe cold waves are about to begin in the western, northwestern, northern and northeastern regions of the country.

Meanwhile, two to three mild to moderate cold waves are expected elsewhere, shows the Met's outlook for January, published yesterday.

Temperatures ranging from 8.1 to 10 degrees Celsius are considered a mild cold wave, 6.1-8 degrees a moderate cold wave, and 4.1-6 degrees a severe one.

Met officials said theshrinking gap between day and night temperatures will intensify the cold weather.

Yesterday, the lowest temperature in Dhaka was recorded at 13.08 degrees Celsius, and the highest at 16 degrees.

Dr Md Abul Kalam Mallik, meteorologist at the Dhaka Met office,  said, "The difference is only 2.2 degrees, which is resulting in the chilling cold sweeping over the city."

About why the difference between day and night temperatures has come down, he said the ridge of the sub-continental high currently extends up to Bangladesh.

"Another reason is the chilling winds coming from the northern direction and the Himalayas."

He also said the dense fog enveloping the city and the eastern and western regions is restricting sunlight, which is further worsening the cold.

"This situation will continue for a few more days."

The Met forecast further said air navigation, and inland river and road communications may be temporarily disrupted due to the dense fog, with sunlight lasting for 5-7 hours a day this month.

Additionally, one or two low pressure systems are likely to form over the  Bay this month, and one of these may intensify into a depression.

Yesterday, the lowest temperature -- 9.8 degrees Celsius -- was recorded in Chuadanga, with 95 percent air humidity, said Zahidul Islam, an observer of the Chuadanga Met office, adding that temperatures are likely to drop further as a mild cold wave continues to affect the region. 

Kamal Hossain, a local, said, "People are avoiding venturing out. The low-income people, however, are suffering immensely as they have to work in this cold weather. Many of them are trying to keep warm by making fires."

The situation is similar in the northern districts.

In Dinajpur, the morning temperature yesterday was 10.2 degrees Celsius.

Tofazzal Hossain, in-charge at the Dinajpur Weather Office, said the cold is expected to persist some more days. He urged locals to take necessary precautions.

The day temperature in Lalmonirhat was recorded at 11.4 degrees Celsius, and in Kurigram it was 11.3, according to the Rangpur Met Office.

Abdullah Al Mamun, deputy director of Kurigram's agriculture extension department, said the farmers, particularly those living near the Brahmaputra, Teesta, Dharla, Dudhkumar and Gangadhar river belts, are forced to work in this harsh cold to prevent crop loss.

Tentulia's Weather Observatory Centre recorded the district's day temperature at 11.3 degrees.

According to doctors at Rangpur Medical College Hospital, there has been an increase in patients with cold-related illnesses, including pneumonia, respiratory infections, and diarrhoea.

(Our correspondents from Benapole, Dinajpur, Lalmonirhat, and Thakurgaon contributed to this report.)