DHAKA — The effect of heat waves has become evident across various parts of Bangladesh since the start of April, with at least 27 districts experiencing mild to moderate spells the previous day, the Meteorological Department said.
The department said one or two severe heat waves could strike during this month, along with several mild to moderate spells. Heat waves may continue in various parts of the country on Saturday, though it had already rained in some areas including Shariatpur and there was a chance of rain in areas around the capital.
Meteorologists said storms and rain could increase from Sunday, which may temporarily bring temperatures down.
All districts in Rajshahi and Khulna divisions, along with Dhaka, were among the 27 districts affected by the heat wave the previous day. Other affected districts included Faridpur, Gopalganj, Manikganj, Narayanganj, Chandpur, Rangamati, Barishal and Patuakhali.
Under the Meteorological Department’s classification, a temperature of 36 to 37.9 degrees Celsius is considered a mild heat wave. A temperature of 38 to 39.9 degrees is moderate, 40 to 41.9 degrees is severe and above 42 degrees is very severe.
The country’s highest temperature the previous day was recorded at 39.7 degrees Celsius in Chuadanga. Rajshahi was next at 39.5 degrees. Dhaka also felt the heat wave, with the temperature at 36.1 degrees, higher than the day before.
According to the department’s long-term forecast, one or two severe heat waves and two to four mild to moderate ones are likely in April.
Meteorologists said that although temperatures may remain close to normal, the feel of the heat will be greater, particularly in the north, southwest, Dhaka, Sylhet and parts of Barishal.
While 2024 saw the country’s longest continuous heat wave on record, a similar situation is less likely this year because multiple thunderstorms are expected this month, which could reduce the intensity of heat waves, the department said.
April typically sees an average of nine thunderstorms. According to the forecast, the country could see five to seven days of light to moderate and one to three days of severe Kalbaishakhi storms this month. One or two low-pressure systems may also form over the sea, which could lead to depressions or cyclones.
Meteorologists said the heat wave season is now extending through September. As a result, even with temperatures relatively normal, the intensity of the heat may feel greater.
The forecast through June also said three to four severe and six to eight mild to moderate heat waves could occur in that period.
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report