Schools to close if mercury drops to 10 degrees Celsius

With a cold wave sweeping over the country, the government has directed the authorities concerned to close primary and secondary schools in districts where the mercury would drop to 10 degrees Celsius or below.

The Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE) and the primary and mass education ministry in separate circulars yesterday asked the district education officials to close the institutions in case of such weather conditions.

However, the DSHE had to change its circular twice due to mistakes.

The circulars said a cold wave is sweeping over different districts, causing significant disruptions to the normal academic activities of the students.

The ministry's circular mentioned that the directive will remain effective until January 31.

Yesterday, the country's lowest temperature, 9.7 degrees Celsius, was recorded in Sreemangal of Moulvibazar, according to data of Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD).

Chilly weather across the country has been affecting people's daily life for the last few days. Labourers, children, and the elderly are most affected.

According to the weather forecast of the BMD, there could be rain at one or two places in Rajshahi, Khulna, Barishal, Dhaka and Chattogram divisions tomorrow.

Kazi Jebunnesa, a meteorologist at the BMD, said though the current minimum temperatures in the country are not as low as those of the same period in previous years, the "feel-like" temperatures are low due to fog and lower temperatures during the day.

She said temperatures may fall further after the rain.

Asked about the reason for the sudden increase in the severity of cold, the meteorologist said when the difference between the maximum and minimum temperature decreases, the severity of cold starts to increase.

Yesterday, the maximum temperature in Dhaka was 21.4 degrees Celsius, and the minimum was 13.8 degrees Celsius. This means the difference between the two temperatures is only 7.6 degrees Celsius. This is why a bone-chilling cold is felt in Dhaka, Jebunnesa said.

According to meteorological standards, temperatures between 8 and 10 degrees Celsius mean a mild cold wave, 6 to 8 degrees Celsius a moderate one, and below 6 degrees Celsius a severe cold wave.

Rickshaw puller Alamgir Hossain of Farmgate area said it was very difficult for him to pull a rickshaw, specially in the morning, due to the cold.

"When I pull a rickshaw, it keeps me warm. But I feel the biting cold when I wait for passengers," he said.