Intense cold to linger for two more days with patchy drizzle

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) says the biting cold gripping the country is set to persist through Wednesday, as dense fog continues to block sunlight across large swathes of Bangladesh.

After a brief easing, temperatures could dip again, the BMD warned, raising the prospect of another cold spell next week as January, typically the coldest month, begins.

Parts of the country, including Dhaka, saw light drizzle on Tuesday morning. The BMD said the drizzle could continue through the day.

“The gap between maximum and minimum temperatures has narrowed significantly, intensifying the cold,” said Afroza Sultana, a meteorologist at the BMD.

“The intense cold will persist for two more days,” she said.

Fog may begin to thin in some areas from Thursday, which could bring a slight rise in temperatures and some relief from the sharper chill, she added.

No cold wave was sweeping Bangladesh on Monday, and there was little chance of one setting in over the following days, the BMD added.

The lowest minimum temperature in the country over the 24 hours to 6am Tuesday was 11°C in Kishoreganj.

In its five-day outlook, the BMD said drizzle was likely on Tuesday. Skies are expected to remain partly cloudy from Wednesday to Saturday, with mainly dry weather overall.

Moderate to dense fog may occur in many places — especially at night and in the morning — the BMD said, warning it could temporarily disrupt air traffic, inland water transport and road communications on Tuesday and Wednesday.