The low over equatorial Indian Ocean and adjoining South Bay intensified into a depression over the same area since yesterday noon.

The Met Office warns of temporary westerly/nor'westerly squalls packing a speed of 60-80 kph or more over different regions across the country alongside rain/thundershowers and with hails at places during the next 18 hours commencing at 3:00pm of Thursday.

Biting cold and intense fog are taking a heavy toll on people living in the northern region, especially those living in charlands.

A cold wave will continue to sweep over the country for another couple of days, according to Dhaka Met Office.

Jodi Borshe Magher Shes, Dhonnyo Rajar Punya Desh -- If it rains at the end of Magh (10th month of the Bengali calendar), the kingdom would prosper, said ancient wise soothsayer and astrologer Khona in a popular verse.