As the third week of Poush unfolds, winter has wrapped the coastal city of Cox’s Bazar more tightly in its cold embrace.
Dense morning fog, chilling winds, and a calm blue sea together paint a vivid picture of the season’s presence. Early mornings and nighttime along the coast feel the coldest.
According to the Meteorological Department, the minimum temperature in Cox’s Bazar has dropped to 14 degrees Celsius during the current cold spell, while the average temperature is hovering around 15 degrees.
Abdul Hannan, Assistant Meteorologist in Cox’s Bazar, said there is little chance of the temperature falling below 14 degrees Celsius in January. However, he noted that how cold people feel does not depend on temperature alone.
“Winter is not determined only by air temperature; it also largely depends on surface heat,” he explained.
If the ground does not retain enough warmth, the cold feels more intense, he added.
He added that when the recorded temperature is 14 degrees Celsius, the felt temperature can drop to around 12 to 13 degrees due to environmental factors.
Being a coastal region, Cox’s Bazar usually experiences comparatively milder winters, Abdul Hannan said. However, prolonged cold spells tend to intensify the sensation of cold.
Sunshine plays a crucial role as well—strong sunlight can ease the chill even at lower temperatures, while cloudy conditions can make it feel colder despite slightly higher readings.
Referring to historical data, he said the lowest temperature ever recorded in Cox’s Bazar was 11.3 degrees Celsius, about 13 years ago, in 2013.
According to the weather office forecast, the current winter pattern may continue until the end of Poush, meaning colder mornings and nights are likely to persist.
However, there is no risk of a cold wave in the district, the Meteorological Department has assured.
Meanwhile, residents of Cox’s Bazar are already feeling the chill at 14 degrees Celsius, while temperatures in parts of northern Bangladesh have plunged to as low as 7 degrees.
By Abdu Rashid Manik
Photo: Abdu Rashid Manik
