A severe cold wave continues to grip 34 districts of Bangladesh, with Badalgachi in Naogaon recording the season's lowest temperature of 6.7°C on Wednesday. Persistent fog and icy northern winds are intensifying the cold, affecting daily life, health, and livelihoods.
According to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD), a mild to moderate cold wave is affecting districts including Tangail, Faridpur, Madari-pur, Gopalganj, Kishoreganj, Manikganj, Narsingdi, Narayanganj, Netrokona, Moulvibazar, Lakshmipur, and Cumilla, as well as the divisions of Rajshahi, Rangpur, Khulna, and Barishal. The cold may continue throughout the week, with a slight reduction in intensity expected after January 10.
Dhaka recorded a minimum temperature of 11.9°C and Teknaf the maximum at 26.5°C. Meteorologists said the cold feels more intense due to reduced variation between day and night temperatures caused by persistent fog, which is expected to continue through Thursday and Friday before gradually dissipating.
The cold wave has led to a surge in cold-related illnesses, especially among children and the elderly. Hospitals nationwide have admitted nearly 100,000 patients since November 1, with 46 deaths reported.
