Heatwave to persist till tomorrow

A persistent heatwave continued its sweep across the nation for the fifth consecutive day yesterday, with the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) forecasting the intense conditions lasting till tomorrow.

Relief is expected to begin from Monday as increased rainfall is predicted across the country.

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The discomfort has been worsened by a lack of rainfall. Out of 51 BMD stations, only Sylhet recorded precipitation, receiving just 27mm of rainfall in 24 hours till 6:00am yesterday. This absence of rainfall is causing people to experience a "felt" temperature significantly higher than the actual mercury readings.

Dr Abul Kalam Mallik, a senior meteorologist at the BMD, told The Daily Star that relief is on the horizon. "Temperature will start to fall from Monday as rainfall may increase in different places, and it will continue till the first week of May."

Rain or thunder showers accompanied by lightning flashes and temporary gusty winds are likely to occur at one or two places over Rangpur, Rajshahi, Dhaka, Mymensingh, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram, and Sylhet divisions in the coming days.

While Dhaka's temperature saw a slight drop to 34.6°C yesterday from the day before's 35.6°C, Dr Mallik noted that high humidity levels made the felt temperature for city dwellers closer to 37°C to 38°C.

Rajshahi recorded the country's highest temperature at 39°C for two consecutive days. Other districts experiencing mild heatwave conditions include Jashore at 38.3°C, Ishwardi in Pabna at 38°C, Sirajganj at 37.2°C, Chuadanga at 36.8°C, Bogura at 36.5°C, and Baghabari in Sirajganj at 36.2°C.

According to the Met Office, temperature ranges define heatwave categories: 36°C to 37.9°C is considered mild, 38°C to 39.9°C is moderate, 40°C to 41.9°C is severe, while anything above 42°C is categorised as very severe heatwave.

April is typically the hottest month in Bangladesh. Last year saw an unusually prolonged heatwave period, with almost the entire month experiencing high temperatures, resulting in 35 days of heatwave conditions combined in April and May – the highest in 76 years. Although this year has not followed the same pattern overall, the heat has intensified significantly in the final week of the month.