Bangladesh’s northernmost district has been shrouded by fog and morning dews over the last few days, giving off telltale signs that winter is creeping ever closer.Temperature in the district dropped below 20 degrees Celsius in the last week.
During an early morning visit on Friday outside the town, the UNB correspondent saw people walking through dense fog, shivering in cold. Thick fog is forcing vehicles to keep their headlights on in the morning, too.
“Winter is set to arrive with its full force when the south wind and deep depression weaken,” said Rahidul Islam, in-charge of Panchagarh meteorological observatory office.
People have already started buying clothes for winter. Those travelling in the morning wear warm clothes now. Nazma Rahman of Dokropora area of the town said she has already prepared thick blankets and clothes for her children ahead of the cold season.
Golam Kibria Mukul, geography and environment science department head of Panchagarh Government Women’s College, said the temperature is falling gradually.
“Cold wind from the north will start blowing over the district when the monsoon wind stops,” he said.
Asked if the rain in recent days will affect farm outputs, Abu Hanif, deputy director of Department of Agricultural Extension, said light rain will not damage winter vegetables. “But cultivation will be delayed if there’s heavy rainfall,” he said.
During every winter, hundreds of people are hospitalised with cold-related diseases.
Dr Md Sirajuddoula Polin, medical officer of Panchagarh Model Sadar Hospital, said they are yet to get any such patient. “But we’re ready to tackle any situation,” he said, reports UNB from Panchagarh.
