A severe cold wave has swept through Dinajpur, with the district recording a minimum temperature of 9.5°C on Thursday, disrupting normal life as dense fog and icy winds persisted throughout the day.
Since early morning, thick fog has blanketed the entire district, significantly reducing visibility. In many areas, the sun remained hidden even after 9am. With humidity at around 93%, the cold felt more intense, forcing vehicles to keep their headlights on while moving along the roads.
Dinajpur Meteorological Office In-charge Md Tofazzal Hossain said the district recorded its lowest temperature of 9.5°C, adding that the high humidity has intensified the bone-chilling conditions, bringing public life almost to a standstill.
The cold has taken a heavy toll on day labourers and homeless people, many of whom were seen burning straw and other materials to keep warm. Health experts have warned of a rise in cold-related illnesses, particularly among children and the elderly.
The Meteorological Department said the cold wave may persist for the next few days and advised drivers to exercise caution as fog continues to hamper visibility.
Hospitals in the district, including Dinajpur Children’s Hospital and Dinajpur Sadar Hospital, have reported an increase in cold-related patients. Children and elderly people are especially suffering from ailments such as whooping cough, respiratory distress and diarrhoea.
Low-income residents, particularly those living along riverbanks, are enduring severe hardship due to a lack of warm clothing as the winter cold intensifies.
