Dense Fog Disrupts Life in Dinajpur District

Dinajpur, nestled at the foothills of the Himalayas, was enveloped in a sudden blanket of dense fog on Friday, causing significant disruption to daily life and agricultural activities. Despite a slight rise in temperature, visibility across the district’s roads and highways dropped dramatically, forcing motorists to navigate cautiously with headlights on.

The Dinajpur Meteorological Office recorded the district’s minimum temperature at 14.5°C on Friday morning (30 January), marginally higher than Thursday’s 14.4°C. While the past few days have seen gradually warming conditions, the sudden onset of chilling winds and dense fog has created unexpected challenges for residents and farmers alike.

Local farmers are particularly concerned about their boro paddy and potato seedlings, which are highly vulnerable to cold and foggy conditions. Many have taken precautionary measures by covering seedbeds with polythene sheets to shield young plants from frost and moisture.

Matiur Rahman, a farmer from Biral Upazila, said, “The sun had been shining in recent days, and temperatures were rising, giving hope for our crops. But today, the sudden thick fog and bitter cold have caused anxiety among farmers. If this continues, there is a risk that both boro paddy seedbeds and potato fields could be damaged.”

Similarly, Moklesur Rahman from Gohair village in Sashara Union, Sadar Upazila, reported that the cold has started to wither the boro seedbeds, and labour shortages are further delaying transplantation. “Although many seedlings are ready, planting has not yet been possible due to the harsh weather and lack of manpower,” he added.

The dense fog has also affected daily life beyond agriculture. Commuters have been forced to drive slowly, schools have reported delayed arrivals, and livestock and other animals are reportedly experiencing discomfort due to the cold. Authorities have urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel in the early hours until visibility improves.

The Meteorological Office’s acting officer, Tofazzal Hossain, noted, “Fog has appeared suddenly this morning, but it is expected to clear gradually as the day progresses. Temperatures will rise slightly, but the cold and fog may persist in low-lying areas for several hours.”

For comparison, the following table illustrates the recent minimum temperatures in Dinajpur:

Experts have warned that prolonged foggy and cold conditions could affect crop growth if protective measures are not maintained. Farmers are being advised to monitor seedlings carefully and cover vulnerable crops to prevent frost damage.

As Dinajpur contends with the unexpected fog and chilly winds, both residents and the agricultural community are bracing for a day of cautious navigation and close attention to crop protection.