TDS Desk:

Dense fog is expected to envelope much of Bangladesh for several more days, potentially disrupting flights, river transport and road travel.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) forecasts moderate to thick fog from midnight to morning until at least Monday, with fog lingering until noon in some areas.

Assistant Meteorologist Afroza Sultana told journalists on Saturday, “Until Monday, moderate to thick fog may occur in places across the country from midnight to morning, and in some areas, until noon.

“Due to thick fog, flight operations, inland river transport, and road communication systems may be temporarily disrupted.”

Noting that the cold wave that swept over seven districts on Friday is no longer blowing, she added: “The cold is being felt more intensely due to the fog.”

The lowest temperature over the last 24 hours was recorded in Jashore at 8.8 degrees Celsius. The minimum temperature was recorded at 10.2 degrees Celsius in Pabna’s Ishwardi and Kishoregan’s Nikli and at 10.8 degrees Celsius in Rajshahi.

The maximum temperature was recorded in Teknaf at 31 degrees Celsius.

Generally, a mild cold wave is considered to be in effect when the temperature is recorded below 10 degrees Celsius.

Meteorologist Afroza, however, said that even though temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius were recorded in some locations, it cannot be termed a cold wave as it did not last long or impact surrounding areas.

In Saturday’s 5-day forecast, the BMD said that from Tuesday and Wednesday, moderate to dense fog may occur in some parts of the country’s river basins from midnight to morning, with light to moderate fog elsewhere.

The department said that from Saturday to Wednesday, the weather across the country is likely to remain dry with temporarily partly cloudy skies.

It added that on Saturday, night temperatures may rise slightly across the country while day temperatures may remain nearly unchanged.

On Sunday, both night and day temperatures may remain almost unchanged nationwide.

On Monday, night and day temperatures may fall slightly. Due to foggy conditions, however, the feeling of cold may persist in parts of the country over these three days.

On Tuesday and Wednesday, night and day temperatures across the country may fall slightly, the Met Office said.