Panchagarh, Jan 11 (V7N) — A moderate cold wave is sweeping through Panchagarh, the northernmost border district near the foothills of the Himalayas, severely disrupting normal life with bone-chilling cold, dense fog, and icy northern winds. The cold spell is being felt most acutely in Tentulia upazila.

According to the Tentulia Meteorological Observatory, the district recorded the lowest temperature in the country on Sunday morning. At 9:00 am, the temperature in Tentulia stood at [latest figure] degrees Celsius*, marking the third consecutive day that Panchagarh has registered the nation’s lowest temperature.

On Saturday, the temperature was recorded at 8.3 degrees Celsius at 9:00 am, while the maximum temperature reached 21 degrees Celsius later in the day.

Meteorological officials said the intensity of the cold has increased due to persistent fog resembling light rainfall over the past several days, which has caused a gradual drop in temperatures.

A visit to different parts of the district on Sunday morning showed that people were reluctant to leave their homes due to the severe cold. At intersections and near tea stalls, locals were seen burning firewood to keep warm. Hospitals in the district have also reported a rise in cold-related illnesses, particularly among children and the elderly.

Tea worker Anwar Hossain from the Gojhar area of Panchagarh Sadar upazila said working conditions have become extremely difficult. “In the morning, we have to pick tea leaves in freezing winds. Our hands and feet become numb, but we still have to work to survive,” he said.

Jitendra Nath Roy, Officer-in-Charge of the Tentulia Meteorological Observatory, confirmed that a moderate cold wave is currently affecting the area. He noted that due to its proximity to the Himalayas, Panchagarh experiences harsher winter conditions than other parts of the country. He also warned that temperatures may fall further in the coming days.

END/SMA/AJ