Early Winter Arrives in Dhaka as Temperature Falls to 15°C, Meteorologists Predict Further Night-Time Cooling

Winter has begun to make its presence felt across Dhaka with a noticeable drop in temperature early Friday morning. The city recorded a minimum temperature of 15.5°C, sending a clear signal that the colder days of the season have finally arrived. Residents, who had only recently started to feel a slight winter breeze, woke up to an unexpectedly chilly dawn that left many reaching for sweaters and shawls.

According to meteorological data collected at 6:00am, the temperature stood at 15.8°C, a sharp drop from earlier this week. The relative humidity was 85 per cent, causing the crisp air to feel even colder than the recorded temperature. The morning chill was further intensified by cool winds sweeping from the north-west at a speed of 8–12 km/h.

Weather officials stated that Dhaka’s sky is expected to remain clear, allowing the sun to shine brightly during most of the day, which may provide some relief from the early morning cold. However, the overall weather pattern remains dry, with little chance of rain in the coming days. The absence of cloud cover may contribute to further drops in night-time temperatures as radiational cooling increases after sunset.

The Met Office also issued a three-day forecast, predicting dry and partly cloudy conditions nationwide. While day temperatures are likely to remain largely unchanged, night temperatures may continue to drop slightly, particularly in Dhaka and surrounding districts. This gradual decline is characteristic of early winter patterns, which typically see temperatures fall steadily from mid-December onwards.

For many residents, the sudden cooling brought both inconvenience and excitement. Tea shops experienced higher-than-usual activity early in the morning, while outdoor workers, rickshaw pullers and commuters faced difficult conditions due to the unexpected cold. Schools reported many students arriving wrapped in layers of warm clothing—an early sign that winter attire is now becoming necessary.

As Dhaka transitions into its cooler season, public health experts cautioned people to be mindful of seasonal flu, asthma complications and respiratory infections that often increase as temperatures fall. Dust and pollution levels also tend to rise during winter due to dry weather, making face masks and warm clothing especially important for those with breathing difficulties.

Meteorologists added that the northern regions of Bangladesh, including Rangpur and Rajshahi, are expected to experience even colder temperatures in the coming days as cold winds continue moving southward. Dhaka, sitting in the centre of the country, may see further drops in the early mornings and late evenings, typical of this time of year.

Overall, the sudden drop to 15°C marks the beginning of a more established winter phase in the capital. Residents should prepare for cooler weeks ahead as conditions continue to shift.