A persistent cold snap has blanketed the northern district of Thakurgaon, where dense fog has hung over towns and highways for four to five straight days and, by late evening, condenses into a fine drizzle “like rain,” residents say. The Bangladesh Meteorological Department and local agriculture officials recorded a minimum of 11.5°C at dawn on Wednesday, with daytime highs fluctuating between 23°C and 25°C.
Visibility remained severely reduced through the morning; the sun did not break through until around noon, and even then the chill persisted under a steady northerly breeze. The conditions have slowed road traffic across local and national routes, with drivers switching on headlights and exercising extra caution to avoid accidents.
Daily-wage earners, rickshaw and van pullers, and people living outdoors are bearing the brunt of the cold. Footfall has surged at winter-clothing stalls, with strong sales of sweaters, jackets, and blankets. Civic groups and community leaders have urged the administration and wealthier residents to step up relief for the most vulnerable.
Mohammad Alamgir Kabir, Additional Deputy Director (Crops) at the District Department of Agricultural Extension, said Wednesday’s low of 11.5°C and a high of 23.9°C raise concern for sensitive crops under prolonged fog and cold. The agriculture office is issuing early advisories and maintaining field-level monitoring to help farmers protect standing crops and respond quickly to any cold-related damage.