No sunlight for three days: Dinajpur faces another cold wave

Dinajpur, a northern district, is once again under the grip of a cold wave, with the lowest temperature recorded at 9.6°C. 

The sun has not been visible for the past three days, and the area remains blanketed in thick fog. The combination of dropping temperatures, dense fog, and chilly winds has worsened the cold's impact.  

The harsh weather has increased the struggles of daily wage earners and laborers. Weather officials predict that nighttime temperatures may drop further over the next two to three days before conditions improve.  

According to the Dinajpur Regional Weather Observation Center, the district recorded its lowest temperature of 9.6°C at 6am, local time, on Saturday. The humidity level was 96%, and the average wind speed over the past 24 hours was 3 kilometres per hour.  

On Friday, at 9am, local time, the minimum temperature in Dinajpur was 11.2°C. On Thursday, it was recorded at 13.2°C, and on Wednesday, it was 12.8°C.  

Both daytime and nighttime temperatures have decreased significantly. On Tuesday, Dinajpur's maximum temperature was 23.5°C, which dropped to 16.5°C on Wednesday, 17.0°C on Thursday, and further down to 15.6°C on Friday.  

According to meteorologists, temperatures between 8 to 10°C indicate a mild cold wave, 6 to 8°C indicate a moderate cold wave, and 4 to 6°C indicate a severe cold wave.

If the temperature drops below 4°C, it is termed an extreme cold wave. The current temperature in Dinajpur classifies as a mild cold wave.  

For the past three days, Dinajpur has been shrouded in thick fog, with no sunlight. In the mornings, the fog feels like drizzling rain.

The biting cold wind has further disrupted daily life, and people are avoiding leaving their homes unless absolutely necessary. Even during the day, vehicles have been seen moving with headlights on at a slow pace.  

On Saturday, the area remains covered in dense fog, and the cold has made life particularly difficult for laborers and daily earners.  

Tafiquddin, a farmer from Masimpur in Dinajpur Sadar, said: “The biggest issue during this cold is the fog and chilly wind, which have been persisting for the last few days. We farmers are living in constant anxiety.”  

Another farmer from the same area, Faridul Islam, said: “Excessive fog causes various diseases in crops. During this time, we need to spray pesticides, but the persistent fog is reducing their effectiveness. The end of the fog will also mark the end of our worries.”  

Hamidul Islam, an autorickshaw driver from Baluwadanga in the city, said: “I can’t drive the rickshaw properly in this cold. As I’ve aged, the cold affects me even more.”  

Similarly, Firoz, a day laborer from the same area, said: “It’s tough to work in this cold, but we have no choice. We have to work to feed our families.”  

Tofazzal Hossain, the acting officer of the Dinajpur Weather Observatory, said that similar weather conditions might persist in Dinajpur for the next few days. Nighttime temperatures are expected to decrease further over the next two to three days before showing signs of improvement.