NN Online:
Chuadanga reports a record low temperature of 9.8 degrees Celsius, raising concerns among farmers about potential crop damage.
As a mild cold wave sweeps across the country, dense fog and chilly winds have disrupted lives, particularly in Chuadanga, which recorded the country’s lowest temperature this morning.
Chuadanga recorded the country’s lowest temperature of 9.8 degrees Celsius, with air humidity at 95 percent, said Zahidul Islam, an observer at the Chuadanga Meteorological Office.
The district experienced 9.7 degrees Celsius yesterday, with air humidity at 93 percent, he noted, adding that temperatures are likely to drop further as a mild cold wave continues to affect the region.
“Fewer people are venturing outside, and those in low-income communities are facing significant hardships as they must work in these frigid conditions,” said Kamal Hossain, a local resident. He noted that many individuals are attempting to combat the cold by starting fires for warmth.”
The situation is similar in the fog-covered northern districts. Dinajpur recorded 10.2 degrees Celsius this morning. The cold is expected to persist for a few more days, with the possibility of another cold spell in late January.
The cold has caused significant disruptions, with day labourers and transport workers losing work, as few people ventured outdoors. The unfavourable weather has also made commuting risky.
Meanwhile, Lalmonirhat recorded 11.4 degrees Celsius, and Kurigram reported 11.3 degrees Celsius this morning, according to the Rangpur Meteorological Office.
Farmers in these districts, particularly those in the Brahmaputra, Teesta, Dharla, Dudhkumar, and Gangadhar river belts, are forced to work in these harsh conditions to prevent crop loss.
Tentulia’s temperature was similar to Lalmonirhat, with the district’s Weather Observatory Centre recording 11.3 degrees Celsius this morning.
Hospitals across northern districts, including Thakurgaon and Panchagarh, are witnessing a similar surge in cases.
“Approximately 200 children with cold-related illnesses are currently receiving treatment in the hospital’s 45-bed pediatric ward,” stated Rakibul Alam, the resident medical officer at Thakurgaon 250-bed Modern Hospital.
Dinajpur and Rangpur district administrations have started distributing warm clothes to affected populations, but the demand far exceeds the supply.
Low-income families, unable to afford winter clothing, continue to suffer in silence.
