The entire nation is reeling under an intense heatwave. The scorching heat has severely impacted daily life in the capital Dhaka and beyond.
Due to high humidity, the discomfort is widespread across the country. At least 60 districts are experiencing mild to extreme heatwaves. The Meteorological Department has forecasted rain in some districts starting Monday.
However, the entire country may have to wait a full week for widespread rainfall. The weather office reports that temperatures are breaking records daily.
Yesterday, Chuadanga recorded the highest temperature of the year at 42°C, while Dhaka reached 39.9°C. However, the real feel is even higher.
This condition is expected to last for another couple of days. A temperature range of 38–39.9°C is considered a moderate heatwave, while 40–42°C is categorized as a severe heatwave.
Various regions of the country are currently experiencing both moderate and severe heatwaves.
For the last three days, heatwaves of varying intensity—mild, moderate, and severe—have been sweeping across the country. The Meteorological Department has warned that severe heatwaves may continue in some areas over the next 48 hours, with temperatures likely to remain high on Sunday as well.
However, there is a possibility of rain in various regions from Monday. Meteorologist Shaheenur Islam stated that the heatwave might subside slightly on May 12, with rain increasing gradually after that.
Full relief from the heatwave is expected between May 16 and May 18. He also mentioned that high temperatures reduce humidity, leading to less moisture in the air. If the temperature drops in the evening, humidity will automatically increase. Without sufficient environmental conditions, rainfall is unlikely.
The usual rain during March, April, and May comes from Nor'westers (Kalbaishakhi storms).
Weather Bulletin Insights
According to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department's bulletin, a low-pressure trough extends from southwestern Bangladesh through West Bengal to the northern Bay of Bengal.
The weather may remain mainly dry with partly cloudy skies across the country. Day and night temperatures are likely to remain nearly unchanged. Severe heatwaves are sweeping over Rajshahi and Chuadanga, while mild to moderate heatwaves continue in Dhaka, Mymensingh, Chittagong, and Barisal divisions, as well as parts of Rajshahi and Khulna divisions, and Rangpur, Dinajpur, Kurigram, and Moulvibazar.
This trend is likely to persist.
The forecast for Sunday indicates that Rangpur, Rajshahi, Dhaka, Mymensingh, and Sylhet divisions may experience isolated showers or thunderstorms with gusty winds. Elsewhere, the weather is expected to remain mostly dry with partly cloudy skies.
Heatwave Hits Record High of 42°C: People Struggle in Sweltering Heat
A report from Chuadanga indicates that a severe to extreme heatwave has been persisting for three consecutive days. For two straight days, Chuadanga recorded the highest temperature in the country.
Yesterday at 3 PM, the temperature reached 42°C, the highest of the season for the region.
Meherpur Residents Struggle in Scorching Heat
According to the Meherpur correspondent, the intense heatwave has disrupted daily life, making it extremely difficult for laborers to work outdoors.
The weather department predicts that without rain, the heat intensity may increase further. Yesterday, temperatures in Meherpur and Chuadanga were recorded at 39.7°C.
The Chuadanga Weather Office's acting officer, Jaminur Rahman, stated that this extreme temperature could last another two days before it starts to ease off slightly.
