Why such intense cold? How long will the severe chill last?

Intense cold has intensified the suffering of ordinary people across the country. Thick fog has been blanketing roads and paths from night till morning. Even when the sun rises, the biting cold persists. The severity of the cold is felt most in the northern district of Dinajpur, where people are trying to ward off the chill by burning straw and twigs. Many others, driven by the need to earn a living, are heading to work ignoring the cold.

The country has begun to be enveloped in a blanket of fog, accompanied by a firm grip of winter. Chilly winds are blowing at times. The country’s lowest temperature has already dropped to the 10-degree Celsius range. In such a situation, the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has said that temperatures across the country may fall further starting tomorrow.

BMD meteorologist Dr Md Omar Faruk shared this information in an exclusive conversation with The Daily Campus this Friday (26 December) morning.

He said, “Winter arrives regularly every year. But this year, the intensity of the cold feels somewhat stronger. The level of cold we have experienced over the past few days is expected to ease starting tomorrow. However, from 29 December onwards, the cold may intensify again, and severe chill could persist for two to three days.”

What is causing such intense cold?

BMD meteorologist Dr Md Omar Faruk explained: “When the difference between the maximum and minimum temperatures falls below 10 degrees Celsius, the sensation of cold increases. If the difference drops below 5 degrees Celsius, the feeling of cold becomes even more severe – in other words, bone-chilling cold is felt.”

Friday’s temperature comparison across districts shows that in most parts of the northern region, including Rangpur, Dinajpur and Tetulia, the difference between maximum and minimum temperatures is below 10 degrees Celsius. In Dhaka, Bogura, Mymensingh and Sylhet regions as well, the difference is below 13 degrees Celsius.

According to BMD criteria:

• 8 to 10 degrees Celsius: Mild cold wave
• 6 to 8 degrees Celsius: Moderate cold wave
• 4 to 6 degrees Celsius: Severe cold wave
• Below 4 degrees Celsius: Very severe cold wave

At present, only Panchagarh, Dinajpur and Chuadanga have temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius. However, the intensity of the cold is being felt across the country.