Met Office Alerts Citizens as January Cold Snap Approaches 4°C

Bangladesh is preparing for an unusually severe winter chill, with the Meteorological Department forecasting temperatures to fall as low as 4 degrees Celsius in some parts of the country this month.

Meteorologists expect two or three mild to moderate cold spells this month, with northern districts and areas along major rivers expected to be hardest hit.

Dense fog is expected to blanket much of the country, sometimes persisting until noon, and lowering daytime temperatures and disrupting transport, road and river traffic.

Meanwhile, rainfall is expected to remain near seasonal average, and there is no risk of cyclones or depressions. December was exceptionally dry, with precipitation 99% below normal. The lowest temperature recorded so far this winter was 7.5°C in Gopalganj on December 31.
 
Cold waves can disrupt daily life and economic activity, sometimes forcing people indoors and affecting supply chains, which pushes up prices of essentials. Health authorities warned of a possible rise in cold-related illnesses, particularly among children and the elderly, and advised people to take precautions.