Temperature in Tetulia drops to 15°C amid chilly northern winds
As the night deepens, the cold wind blowing from the north brings a chill that persists until dawn. Photo: Agamir Somoy.
The northern landscape of Kartik now bears clear signs of winter's arrival. Morning fog, chilly winds, and the growing cold as evening falls—together these have brought distinct marks of seasonal change to the nature of Panchagarh.
Although there is warmth in the sunlight during the day, the feeling of winter increases as the night deepens. Especially, the working-class who go out early in the morning are feeling the harbinger of winter quite clearly.
On Monday, at 6:00 AM, the lowest temperature of 15.0 degrees Celsius was recorded at the Tetulia First Class Weather Observation Center. Sunday, the temperature was 16.5 degrees Celsius. That is, within 24 hours, the temperature dropped by 1.5 degrees Celsius.
While visiting various areas in the morning, it was seen that the sun is slowly peeking through a light veil of fog. Ignoring the morning cold, day laborers, tea and stone quarry workers, farmers, and van drivers are rushing to their workplace to earn their livelihood. Many were seen wearing shawls and winter clothing. The chilly morning wind is also beginning to affect public life.
Van driver Rabi Islam said that when he goes out with his van in the morning, it feels much colder compared with temperature a few days ago. Especially, during early morning movement, the chilly wind hits the body. However, once the sun rises, it feels somewhat warm again.
Tea worker Abdul Khalek said that working in the tea garden early in the morning feels very cold. Previously, one could go to work wearing thin clothes. Now, in the morning, one has to wrap up in a shawl or warm clothes before going out.
Local residents said that compared with day-time the temperature drops rapidly in the evening and at night. Due to the cold wind blowing from the north, winter is felt from late night until dawn. Many have now started using quilts and blankets at night.
Not only in the weather, but the touch of winter has also begun to affect local life and markets. Seasonal pitha (rice cake) shops have started operating at various places. As evening falls, markets come alive with the preparation of bhapa, chitai, and pakan pithas. The aroma of pitha brings back the familiar winter atmosphere of rural Bengal. Seasonal pitha sellers are also becoming busy with the flow of customers.
Due to its geographical location near the Himalayas and the Kanchenjunga mountain range, the winter atmosphere appears somewhat earlier in Panchagarh compared to other regions of the country. The feeling of winter that begins in late October intensifies from mid-November. The severity of winter is felt more in this region in December and January.
Meanwhile, due to the difference in day and night temperatures and changes in the weather, the risk of cold-related illnesses, including colds and coughs, is increasing among children and the elderly.
Local residents said that many children and elderly people are seeking treatment after being affected by colds, coughs, pneumonia, and diarrhea. As a result, at the very start of winter, there is a need to take precautions to protect the health of family members.Jitendra Nath Roy, officer-in-charge of the Tetulia Weather Observation Center, said that due to its location near the Himalayan mountain range, the temperature in Tetulia has started dropping under the influence of chilly winds and light fog. At 6:00 AM on Monday, the humidity was 100 percent. As a result, the feeling of winter is gradually increasing.
