Dhaka Welcomes Sunshine After Days of Dense Fog

After three consecutive days of dense fog and biting winter chill, residents of the capital finally experienced a welcome change on Wednesday (31 December) as the sun pierced through the grey veil, restoring a sense of comfort and normalcy to city life. The long-absent sunshine brought visible relief to Dhaka’s streets, homes, and workplaces, even though a lingering chill in the air reminded residents that winter has not yet loosened its grip.

From around 11:00 a.m. onwards, several parts of the capital—including Dhanmondi, Farmgate, Shahbagh, Mirpur, Mohammadpur, and Karwan Bazar—were bathed in gentle sunlight. The morning began under a thick blanket of fog, which gradually lifted as the day progressed, allowing the pale winter sun to illuminate the skyline. The soft warmth of the sunshine was widely welcomed by residents who had endured days of cold, damp conditions that disrupted daily routines, traffic flow, and outdoor activities.

Despite the return of sunlight, a cool breeze continued to sweep through the city. The wind carried a noticeable chill, though it was less severe than in previous days. Many residents were seen standing on rooftops, balconies, and open spaces, soaking in the warmth, while street life slowly regained its usual rhythm. Vendors, pedestrians, and office-goers alike appeared visibly energised by the improved weather.

According to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, Dhaka’s sky was expected to remain partly cloudy throughout the day, with generally dry conditions prevailing. However, officials warned that moderate to dense fog could still occur during the early morning and late night hours. Winds were forecast to blow from the north and north-west at speeds ranging between 8 and 12 kilometres per hour, contributing to the lingering sensation of cold. Encouragingly, daytime temperatures were predicted to rise slightly, easing the intensity of the winter chill. On Wednesday, Dhaka recorded a minimum temperature of 14 degrees Celsius.

Across the country, significant regional variations in temperature were observed. Gopalganj recorded the lowest temperature of the day at 7.5 degrees Celsius, underscoring the severity of winter conditions in some inland areas. In contrast, Teknaf experienced the highest temperature, reaching a comparatively warm 26.6 degrees Celsius, highlighting the climatic diversity across Bangladesh.

Meteorologists noted that such fluctuations are typical during the winter season. While the return of sunshine offers temporary relief, residents—particularly children, the elderly, and those with health conditions—are advised to remain cautious, as cold nights and foggy mornings are likely to persist for several more days.

Overall, the reappearance of the sun has lifted spirits across the capital, offering a brief but much-needed respite from the harshness of winter.

Weather Snapshot: Wednesday (31 December)