A rigorous heatwave has been sweeping across the country since last week, making people’s lives miserable in the city and elsewhere in the country.
Amid the stifling summertime temperature, city-dwellers opted to stay indoors during the daytime. Experts recommended people avoid sunbeams and use proper protection like sunglasses, umbrellas and caps while going out in the heat of the day.
The searing heat of the subtropical climate has been affecting the vast swathes of the country, resulting in heat-related sickness and prompting people to get admitted to hospitals.
A mild to moderate heat wave is sweeping over Dhaka, Rajshahi and Khulna divisions and the districts of Rangpur, Dinajpur, Nilphamari, Rajarhat, Mymensingh, Moulvibazar, Rangamati, Chandpur, Feni, Noakhali, Chattogram, Bandarban, Barishal and Patuakhali, said meteorologists.
Hafizur Rahman, meteorologist of Bangladesh Meteorological Department, told the Daily Sun that the current heat wave may continue for two or three days.
“The highest temperature in the country on Friday was 41.2 degrees Celsius in Chuadanga which is the highest of this season. The capital also experienced its highest temperature – 39.2 degrees Celsius – which is the highest of the season,” he said.
According to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, the heat wave has spread to more areas across the country on Friday compared to Thursday. This situation may continue for two more days. The temperature may not reduce without rainfall.
Earlier this year, the highest temperatures were recorded 39.8 degrees Celsius twice on 28 March in Chuadanga and on 23 April in Jashore.
The highest temperature recorded in Dhaka this year was 38.5 degrees Celsius on 28 March this year.
In 2024, the season’s highest temperature – 43 degrees Celsius – was recorded on 29 April in Chuadanga. The temperature of Dhaka city was 40.3 degrees Celsius on that Day.
On 21 May 2014, the district Chuadanga recorded 43.2degrees Celsius temperature.
The second-highest temperature in the country’s history was recorded at 43 degrees Celsius in Ishwardi of Pabna on 17 April 2023. The same temperature was also recorded in 1995 and 2002.
The second-highest temperature in the country’s history was recorded at 43 degrees Celsius in Ishwardi of Pabna on 17 April 2023. The same temperature was also recorded in 1995 and 2002.
The highest recorded temperature since independence was 45.1 degrees Celsius on 18 May 1972.
In 2023, the highest temperature in Dhaka was recorded at 40.6 degrees Celsius on 16 April. In April 1965, the mercury hit 42 degrees Celsius in Dhaka, and in 1960, it reached a record 42.3 degrees Celsius.
Temperature in the capital reached 40.6 degrees Celsius on 20 April last, which was the second-highest in the city since 1960. Earlier, 40.6 degrees Celsius temperature was recorded in Dhaka on 24 April 2023 and 40.2 degrees Celsius in 2014.
Although April is typically the hottest month in Bangladesh, it wasn’t particularly warm this year. Even in the first week of May, temperatures remained relatively tolerable. However, since Wednesday, the heat has started to intensify.
