Cold Wave Grips 17 Districts of Bangladesh, Jashore Records Season's Lowest Temperature

Widespread Cold Conditions Across Bangladesh

A cold wave has swept across 17 districts of Bangladesh, intensifying winter conditions across the country on January 1, 2026. The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) confirmed the widespread impact, noting significant drops in morning and night temperatures. The cold spell is characterized by moderate to dense fog, which has reduced visibility and caused disruptions to daily life and transportation networks.

The affected districts include Madaripur, Gopalganj, Rajshahi, Pabna, Sirajganj, Dinajpur, Panchagarh, Sylhet, Moulvibazar, Cumilla, Khulna, Satkhira, Jashore, Chuadanga, Kushtia, Barishal, and Bhola.

Jashore Records Lowest Temperature

The district of Jashore recorded the country's lowest temperature on January 1, 2026, plummeting to 7.8 degrees Celsius. This reading marked one of the season's lowest temperatures. In the capital, Dhaka, the minimum temperature stood at 13.1 degrees Celsius on January 1. The BMD classifies cold waves based on temperature ranges, with 8.1°C–10°C considered mild and 6.1°C–8°C as moderate. Jashore's temperature places it under a moderate cold wave.

Impacts on Transport and Public Health

The prevailing moderate to dense fog has severely impacted transportation across the country. Authorities warned that the thick fog could temporarily disrupt air navigation, inland water transport, and road communication. Ferry services, such as those on the Paturia-Daulatdia route, have been suspended due to reduced visibility.

Beyond transport, the cold wave poses significant health risks, particularly for vulnerable groups. The BMD and health officials have advised caution, especially for children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions, who are more susceptible to cold-related illnesses such as respiratory problems and hypothermia. The persistent cold has also made daily life challenging for daily wage earners and marginalized communities, who struggle to find work and adequate warmth.

Agricultural Concerns and Outlook

The cold wave has also raised concerns within the agricultural sector. Experts warn that certain winter crops are vulnerable to the unusual weather. For instance, potatoes are at risk of late blight, while rice seedlings in seedbeds may be affected by scorch disease. Onions and garlic face tipburn and purple blotch, and mustard crops could develop white mould and leaf spot. The Bangladesh Agro-Meteorological Information Service has issued guidelines to help farmers mitigate potential crop damage.

The BMD indicated that while night temperatures might rise slightly and daytime temperatures could increase by one to two degrees Celsius in some areas, the cold conditions, accompanied by fog, are expected to persist for several more days. The department also warned that the cold wave's impact might expand to more districts, with temperatures potentially dropping further in the coming days.