As December progresses, winter has firmly taken hold across the country, with temperatures steadily dipping in most regions.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has forecast a mild cold wave in the northern region this week.

BMD Meteorologist Mohammad Abdur Rahman Khan said, “The mercury has dropped in some parts of the country and is expected to fall gradually across the country over the next 2-3 days.”

He added that a cold wave, coupled with dense fog, may sweep over the country—especially the northern region—in the last week of December and could continue into January.

Businesses selling winter items, including warm clothing and seasonal foods like pithas, are seeing a boost in sales, with tea stalls and warm beverages experiencing a surge in customers.

Farmers in rural areas, however, are concerned about the potential impact on their crops, especially in regions prone to fog.

Health experts have also issued warnings about the rise in seasonal ailments, such as colds, flu, and respiratory issues, advising people to take necessary precautions, especially for children and the elderly.

TB Hospital’s Deputy Director Dr Ayesha Akter said, “Various cold-related diseases have been breaking out due to the change in weather.”

She mentioned that the number of outdoor patients has surged to 500-600 per day, up from 300 on a regular day.

On Thursday, the lowest temperature in the country was recorded at 10.2 degrees Celsius in Gopalganj and Chuadanga districts, with the mercury dipping to 14.8 degrees Celsius in Dhaka.

Temperatures also dropped to 10.5 degrees Celsius in Bhola, 11.2 degrees Celsius in Barishal, and 11.3 degrees Celsius in Madaripur and Sylhet districts, according to the BMD.