The northern district of Kurigram has started experiencing cold weather as the temperature continues to drop coupled with dense fog, throwing daily life out of gear.

Over the past week, the mercury fluctuated between 17°C and 15.6°C, with Sunday morning recording the lowest temperature at 15.6°C.

Though daytime temperatures remain bearable, the severity of the cold aggravates from late night to early morning, blanketing the district under thick fog.

Vehicles are moving with headlights on, causing delays in transportation while Kurigram General Hospital is witnessing an increase in patients suffering from cold-related illnesses.

On the other hand, day labourers and farmers are among those hit worst by the weather. Many are struggling to reach work on time while the underprivileged residents of 405 char (riverine) areas face severe suffering due to the chilly weather.

Ruhul Amin, 40, a resident of Ghogadah in Kurigram Sadar, said for the past five to six days, the cold has been increasing. At night, it feels like drizzle because of the fog. It's hard to work in this weather but they have no choice.

Echoing Ruhul, another day labourer Abu Bakkar, 52, said they must leave for work before others even wake up. No matter how cold it gets, they can't afford to skip work.

Subal Chandra Sarkar, acting officer of Kurigram Weather Office, said that chilly winds are expected by the end of November or early December, which could further intensify the chill.