The first hints of winter have begun to settle over Kurigram with the arrival of the Bangla month of Kartik.
Though Poush is still two months away, nightly fog across the district is signaling an early shift in the season.
Days remain warm under a bright sun, but nights are increasingly wrapped in mist, giving the landscape a silvery haze.
According to the Rajarhat Agricultural Meteorological Observatory, signs of early winter have been visible in Kurigram since mid-October.
The difference between day and night temperatures is narrowing. On Saturday, the minimum temperature stood at 22.2°C and the maximum at 32°C, while the week’s average ranged between 23°C and 33°C.
Locals say this year’s fog has arrived earlier than usual.
As dusk falls, a thin veil of mist settles over fields and roads, and by dawn, dewdrops glisten on leaves, grass, and parked motorcycles.
The air feels cooler, though the chill remains gentle.
Markets have already begun displaying sweaters and blankets, and roadside vendors are setting up stalls selling seasonal favourites such as bhapa pitha and chitoy pitha.
Mukul, a resident of Kurigram town, said the fog has made night driving difficult.
“It feels chilly outside, and visibility drops sharply on the roads. Winter has already started, though the temperature is still mild,” he said.
Mizanur, from Rasulpur village on the banks of the Brahmaputra in Ulipur upazila, said fog now descends earlier each night.
“It’s not that cold yet, but it feels like winter is knocking at the door,” he said.
Dr Al-Amin Masud, a pediatric specialist at Kurigram General Hospital, said the fog over Rajarhat on Saturday morning was thick enough to resemble mid-Poush.
“Days are still warm, but nighttime temperatures are falling. Parents should reduce fan speeds at night and avoid exposing children to dust and cold air,” he advised.
Subal Chandra Sarkar, acting officer of the Rajarhat Meteorological Observatory, said both maximum and minimum temperatures are gradually declining.
“By mid-November, the temperature may drop below 20°C, marking the true onset of winter,” he said.
