Panchagarh, Jan 15 (V7N) — The country’s lowest temperature has once again been recorded in Tentulia, the northernmost upazila of Panchagarh, marking a week-long cold spell that has severely disrupted normal life in the district.

According to the Tentulia Weather Observation Station, the temperature dropped to 7.5 degrees Celsius at 9:00 am on Thursday (January 15). At the time, humidity stood at 100 percent, while northward winds were blowing at a speed of 8 to 10 kilometers per hour, intensifying the cold.

A day earlier, on Wednesday, the lowest temperature in Tentulia was recorded at 8 degrees Celsius, with 98 percent humidity and similar wind speeds. Meteorologists say the cold has grown more severe due to persistent icy winds from the north combined with dense fog.

On the ground, the impact of the bitter cold has been evident for several days. From evening until morning, thick fog blankets roads and highways across villages and towns in the district, significantly reducing visibility. As a result, vehicle movement on highways has slowed, with many drivers proceeding cautiously.

The prolonged cold spell has caused severe hardship for daily wage earners and low-income workers, who rely on early morning work for their livelihood. Many have been unable to leave their homes due to the extreme cold, leading to a sharp decline in income.

To cope with the cold, residents in both rural and urban areas have been seen burning straw, dry leaves, and firewood since early morning to warm themselves.

Malek Badsha, a resident of the Ranchondi area of Tentulia Upazila, said, “Because of the intense cold, I cannot work properly. My hands and feet go numb, and this is directly affecting our income.”

Echoing similar concerns, Babul Islam from the Amarkhana area of Panchagarh Sadar Upazila said, “It has been extremely cold for the past few days. Along with dense fog, the wind and cold intensity are increasing day by day, making work very difficult.”

Jitendranath Roy, Officer-in-Charge of the Tentulia Meteorological Observatory, said the temperature has been fluctuating but remaining unusually low.
“Today, the temperature was recorded at 7.5 degrees Celsius. Tentulia has recorded the lowest temperature in the country for seven consecutive days. Cold northern winds and dense fog are mainly responsible, and this situation may continue for the next few days,” he added.

END/SMA/AJ