The Tetulia Weather Observatory Centre reported the country’s lowest temperature so far this season at 12.6°C at 9:00 am on Wednesday.
Jitendra Nath Roy, assistant officer at the centre, said temperatures in northern districts, particularly Panchagarh, have been steadily dropping due to a cool wind blowing from the Himalayan region, according to local sources.
“The temperature has been dipping gradually in Tetulia. The chill is now felt soon after sunset and lasts until morning. However, bright sunshine during the day is creating a significant gap between daytime highs and nighttime lows,” he explained.
The current temperature trend is expected to continue for the coming days, with a mild cold wave likely to sweep over the region in the last week of November.
Temperature readings show a consistent fall over the past week: Tetulia recorded 14.5°C yesterday, 16.5°C on Monday, and 16.6°C on Sunday.
“Winter typically arrives earlier and leaves later in Panchagarh due to its proximity to the Himalayas,” Roy added.
Locals reported chilly conditions and morning fog across Panchagarh Sadar upazila. Rickshaw-puller Matin Mia said, “The temperature has been falling gradually, but the north wind in the last two days has made the weather distinctly cold.” Farmer Rafiqul Islam noted that the cold wind is forcing villagers to start fieldwork later each morning.
Local hospitals, including Panchagarh Sadar Hospital and Thakurgaon 250-Bedded General Hospital, have reported a rise in cases of fever, cold, asthma, and pneumonia, especially among children and the elderly. Resident medical officer Rakibul Alam confirmed the increase in patients with respiratory and cold-related illnesses.
Professor Dr. Momtaz Uddin, a paediatric specialist, said the early onset of winter has led to an increase in cold-related illnesses. He urged parents to ensure that children wear warm clothing in the evenings and early mornings to avoid exposure to the cold.
Despite the cold nights, daytime highs remain warm, with 30°C recorded yesterday and 30.4°C on Monday. Winds in Panchagarh and surrounding districts are expected to remain north-northwesterly at 10–11 km/h.
Mostafizur Rahman, Senior Assistant Meteorologist at the Rangpur Met Office, said temperatures are expected to continue falling. He added that mild to moderate cold waves are likely to sweep through the division in early December.
However, local officials said that no measures have yet been taken to distribute winter clothes to the poor and homeless despite the early onset of cold. Rangpur’s Deputy Commissioner, Rabiul Faisal, told this correspondent on Wednesday evening that a request has been sent to the relevant department for winter clothing allocations. “We hope to begin distribution as soon as the allocation arrives,” he added.
