Tetulia Records Lowest Temperatures for Six Days

Tetulia, a northern upazila in Panchagarh district, has been registering the country’s lowest temperatures for six consecutive days, as biting cold continues to grip the region. Residents are struggling against the harsh weather, with both moderate and mild cold waves sweeping across the area, leaving daily life disrupted and vulnerable communities particularly affected.

According to the Tetulia Meteorological Observatory, the temperature at 9:00 am on Wednesday was recorded at 8°C—the lowest nationwide. Humidity stood at 98%, and wind speeds were measured between 8–10 km/h. The night had been pierced by chilly, drizzling winds, leaving residents shivering through the early hours. From dawn, dense fog enveloped the area, intensifying the cold, while the sun only peeped over the eastern horizon after 9:00 am, failing to penetrate the fog and provide much warmth until after 10:00 am.

The cold wave has persisted in the northern district since 6 January, spanning nine consecutive days. During this period, Tetulia’s minimum daily temperatures have fluctuated between 6.8°C and 9.2°C, with varying intensity of cold waves—from mild to moderate. Notably, since 9 January, Tetulia has consistently held the record for the lowest temperature across Bangladesh.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department categorises cold waves according to temperature ranges as follows:

On Wednesday morning, Panchagarh Sadar witnessed dense fog covering roads and fields, creating an eerie stillness. Villagers ventured out only for essential work, while some attempted to fend off the cold by burning dry straw. Farmers covered livestock with blankets or tarpaulins, and vehicles on highways navigated carefully with headlights on due to reduced visibility.

Van driver Sholeman Ali (46), at the Sadar helipad, described the conditions: “The fog is so thick that visibility is only about ten hands’ length. Our clothes, hair, and eyebrows are wet, hands and feet ache in the cold, and water runs from the nose and eyes.”

Acting director of the Tetulia Meteorological Observatory, Jitendra Nath Roy, told reporters, “The cold wave has been ongoing for nine days. There was dense fog this morning, but sunshine is expected later in the day, which should bring some relief to the residents.”

The persistent cold continues to challenge both the local population and authorities, who are urging citizens to take precautions, especially during early morning and late-night hours.