Temperature Drops to 15°C in Panchagarh's Tetulia

Winter is gradually setting in across Panchagarh, the northernmost district of Bangladesh, with morning fog, chilly northerly winds and falling nighttime temperatures signalling the arrival of colder weather.

Although sunshine brings some relief during the day, the cold becomes more noticeable after sunset. People who leave home early for work are among those facing the greatest discomfort.

The Tetulia First-Class Weather Observation Centre recorded a minimum temperature of 15 degrees Celsius at 6am on Monday (November 9). At the same time on Sunday, the temperature was 16.5 degrees Celsius.

This represents a drop of 1.5 degrees Celsius in 24 hours.

Farmers, day labourers, tea and stone workers, and van drivers were seen heading to work through foggy conditions in the morning. Many were wearing shawls and warm clothing to protect themselves from the cold.

Tarikul Islam, an auto-van driver, said the chilly wind made him shiver when he took his vehicle out early in the morning.

However, temperatures become more comfortable as the sun rises. Tea worker Abdul Khaleque said he now needs to wear warm clothes when going to work in the gardens in the morning.

Meanwhile, changing weather has brought a seasonal touch to local markets, where shops selling traditional winter cakes are attracting more customers. Sales of bhapa, chitoi and pakan pitha increase in the evening.

Jitendra Nath Roy, acting officer of the Tetulia Weather Observation Centre, said temperatures were falling due to cold winds and fog, as the area is close to the Himalayas and Kanchenjunga.

Relative humidity was recorded at 100 per cent on Monday morning, he said. The intensity of winter may increase from mid-November through January.

Fluctuating temperatures have also raised concerns about health risks among children and older people. Local residents say many people are suffering from colds, coughs, pneumonia and diarrhoea during this period. Relevant authorities have advised people to take extra precautions and care.