Cold intensity to rise from Sunday; Temperatures could drop to 4°C
Samakal Correspondent
03 Jan 2026 09:28 AM । Update: 03 Jan 2026 09:29 AM
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has issued a chilling winter alert at the start of the new year, predicting four to five cold waves across the country this month.
In severe cases, temperatures in certain areas could fall as low as 4 degrees Celsius, it said.
This January outlook was presented during a meeting of the department's expert committee on Friday.
The department indicates that there could be two to three mild to moderate cold waves, along with one to two moderate to severe ones this month.
During severe cold waves, the country's minimum temperature might reach between 6 and 4 degrees Celsius.
The chill is expected to be more pronounced in northern regions and areas along river basins.
The forecast further notes that moderate to thick fog could blanket the country from late night through morning, occasionally persisting until midday.
Dense fog may reduce the diurnal temperature variation, heightening the perception of cold.
The Meteorological Department stated that while January is likely to see normal rainfall levels nationwide, there is no risk of cyclones or low-pressure systems forming in the Bay of Bengal.
A review of December last year revealed that rainfall was 99.3 percent below normal across the country. The season's lowest temperature was recorded at 7.5 degrees Celsius in Gopalganj on December 31.
Regarding this, the Director of the Meteorological Department, Md. Mominul Islam, mentioned last night that up to five cold waves could affect various parts of the country in January. Of these, two to three would be mild to moderate, with temperatures potentially dropping to 8-10 degrees or 6-8 degrees Celsius. One to two would be moderate to severe, possibly bringing temperatures down to 4-6 degrees Celsius.
He added that although day and night average temperatures in January are projected to remain relatively normal, daily life could grind to a halt during cold wave periods.
Winter Chill to Intensify from Tomorrow
A cold wave affected seven districts yesterday. The day before, on Thursday, it impacted 17 districts. The Meteorological Office reports that temperatures across the country might rise slightly today, Saturday, potentially easing the cold somewhat.
However, temperatures could begin falling again starting tomorrow, Sunday.
Yesterday, the nation's lowest temperature was recorded at 8 degrees Celsius in Jessore. Other districts under the cold wave included Gopalganj, Rajshahi, Pabna, Panchagarh, Kushtia, and Chuadanga.
A temperature range of 8.1 to 10 degrees Celsius classifies as a mild cold wave. Between 6.1 and 8 degrees Celsius is moderate. From 4.1 to 6 degrees Celsius is severe, and below 4 degrees Celsius is very severe.
Meteorologist Shahnaz Sultana from the Meteorological Department noted that the cold wave's coverage has reduced. This pattern might persist on Saturday. Nonetheless, temperatures could decline again from tomorrow.
Jessore Endures Harsh Winter Chill
On Thursday, Jessore logged the country's lowest temperature at 7.8 degrees Celsius. Yesterday, it was 8 degrees Celsius. A moderate cold wave is ongoing in the district, which has seen the season's lowest temperatures for four consecutive days.
Daily life in both urban and rural areas has been severely disrupted by the persistent cold. Vulnerable populations, including the homeless and low-income groups, are facing extreme hardship.
Day laborers, however, have limited options to stay indoors. Previously, 300 to 400 laborers gathered daily at Laldighi bank in Jessore city for work opportunities. Now, that figure has halved, with many still returning empty-handed due to scarce jobs.
Mild Cold Wave Continues in Panchagarh
A mild cold wave has persisted in Panchagarh for the second day. At 9 am yesterday, the Tentulia Meteorological Observatory recorded the district's lowest temperature at 9.4 degrees Celsius. On Thursday, it was 9 degrees Celsius. The maximum daytime temperature reached 23.8 degrees.
