Gopalganj feels the chill as mercury drops to season’s low of 7.5°C

Gopalganj has recorded the lowest temperature in the country so far this winter, with the mercury falling to 7.5 degrees Celsius.

The temperature was recorded at 6am on Wednesday, according to Abu Sufian, acting officer at the Gopalganj Meteorological Department.

He said a moderate cold wave is currently sweeping across the district. Humidity levels have reached 97 percent, while visibility has been reduced to around 200 metres due to dense fog.

The cold wave is expected to continue on Thursday and may persist for another two days, although temperatures are likely to rise slightly, he added. There is also the possibility of another cold wave affecting the country towards the end of the first week of January.

Normal life in Gopalganj has been disrupted by the cold and thick fog. The sun has remained obscured since morning, and many residents are leaving their homes only when necessary. Vehicles have been seen using headlights even during the day on roads and highways.

The cold weather is also affecting agriculture, with farmers facing difficulties in cultivating Boro rice. As temperatures continue to fall, the impact has been felt most acutely by homeless people, day labourers and those on low incomes, with elderly people and children particularly vulnerable.

Hospitals have begun to see patients suffering from cold-related illnesses, including respiratory problems and diarrhoea.

Dr Jibitesh Biswas, superintendent of the 250-bed Gopalganj General Hospital, said children had not yet begun arriving in large numbers with cold-related illnesses, but warned this could change if the cold persists. He advised parents to keep children wrapped in warm clothing to protect them.

Over the past five days, district and Upazila authorities have distributed about 1,000 blankets among people affected by the cold across Gopalganj’s five Upazilas.

Officials, including Deputy Commissioner Md Arif-uz-Zzaman and Upazila administrators, have also been visiting affected communities late into the night to distribute blankets directly.