Sylhet, Jan 02 (V7N) — The severity of winter has increased across Sylhet as biting cold winds and thick fog continue to grip the region. On Thursday morning at around 9:00 am, the district recorded a minimum temperature of 9.6 degrees Celsius, the lowest so far this winter season.

For several days, cold conditions have persisted in Sylhet. Since early morning, dense fog covered the surroundings, significantly reducing visibility. On Wednesday, the district recorded a minimum temperature of 12.5 degrees Celsius, and the sun remained obscured throughout the day. The intense cold has disrupted normal life in the city.

Field observations show that dense fog begins to envelop the area from midnight, continuing through the morning hours. The bone-chilling cold and icy winds have slowed daily activities. Despite the harsh conditions, day laborers, rickshaw pullers, and other low-income workers ventured out early in the morning in search of livelihood. However, many families are deeply concerned about children and the elderly. People are avoiding going outdoors unless necessary. Suffering is most acute among low-income groups and the homeless, many of whom are enduring nights in extreme hardship due to a lack of adequate winter clothing.

According to the Sylhet Meteorological Office, such weather conditions may persist for several more days. Dense fog and cold winds are disrupting daily activities and causing difficulties in vehicular movement.

Bangladesh Meteorological Department meteorologist Abul Kalam Mallik said the foggy conditions may continue for a few more days, with the possibility of further intensification of cold in early January. He explained that fog originating from inland water bodies, wetlands and haor areas, radiation fog, fog formed in hilly regions, and fog carried by northwestern winds from India have collectively increased overall fog density. As the fog lingers from midnight until noon, sunlight is obstructed, intensifying the feeling of cold.

Sylhet Meteorological Office Sub-Assistant Meteorologist Rudra Talukdar confirmed that the minimum temperature of 9.6 degrees Celsius recorded on Thursday is the lowest of the current season. He added that similar temperatures may continue for the next few days, with the sky likely to remain partly cloudy.

END/RIM/SMA/