Chilly winds and morning fog are signalling the advent of winter in northern Bangladesh, with the minimum temperature in Panchagarh dropping to 17.4 degrees Celsius on Sunday morning.

Jitendranath Roy, acting officer of the Tetulia Meteorological Observatory, said the minimum temperature was recorded at 17.4 degrees Celsius on Sunday, while the maximum temperature stood at 31.8 degrees Celsius the previous day.

Despite warm sunshine during the daytime, temperatures have been falling after midnight, bringing a wintry feel to daily life, he said.

Locals said they no longer need fans at night and instead have started using light quilts or blankets.

Morning fog and dew-covered grass have also become common, while chilly winds are making early mornings uncomfortable for outdoor workers.

Stone workers have been seen heading to rivers in light warm clothing, while tea workers continue their work amid dew-covered leaves.

Meteorologist Mostafizar Rahman of the Rangpur Met Office said the seasonal monsoon’s inactivity has contributed to the wintry conditions.

Fog in the early morning usually clears as the day progresses, he said, adding that temperatures are expected to decline further.

Meanwhile, residents of around 780 riverine chars in the northern region are worried about the approaching winter and have called for timely government support.

Omar Faruk, a resident of Char Ichli, said the cold is felt from evening until 9am, making blankets necessary at night.

Residents of the chars in Lalmonirhat also reported that the cold intensifies after midnight and persists until morning.

Lalmonirhat Deputy Commissioner Md Rashedul Hoque Prodhan said preparations are underway to deal with winter.

The Upazila Nirbahi Officers have been instructed to prepare lists of people requiring assistance, he added.