While winter has not yet fully descended upon the country, the northern district of Dinajpur is already experiencing its gentle, preliminary touch, signaling its customary role as the harbinger of the cold season in Bangladesh.
Evenings are now marked by a distinct cool breeze, while mornings reveal a delicate blanket of mist over the city and dewdrops clinging to blades of grass like pearls. Although daytime still brings the sun's warmth, the crispness in the air after dusk is unmistakable.
According to the local meteorological office, temperatures are gradually decreasing. Md. Tofazzal Hossain, an official at the Dinajpur Weather Office, confirmed the trend, stating, "Day and night temperatures have started to decrease slightly over the past few days. The minimum temperature is currently fluctuating between 22 and 24 degrees Celsius." He added that the region typically experiences the full force of winter in December and January, indicating that this is just the beginning.
Residents, however, have not waited for the official onset. Woolen sweaters, blankets, and shawls stored away for months are being brought out, and a steaming cup of tea has become a cherished companion.
The early chill is more than just a seasonal shift; it brings a special sentiment, especially for farmers. Shahin Alam, a farmer from Bochaganj upazila, shared, "When we go to the field at dawn, the grass gets wet with dew. The work is hard, but this time feels good. The onset of winter carries the scent of ripe paddy."
Echoing the sentiment, a pedestrian, Azim Uddin, said, "The proper winter hasn't set in yet, but the mornings are quite cold, and the fog has started to appear. It's a wonderfully comfortable feeling."
For now, Dinajpur is thoroughly enjoying the warm embrace of these first, mild winter days—a sweet and gentle prelude to the colder days ahead.
