The scorching heat of the Bengali month of Jyeshtha is becoming increasingly unbearable. The heatwave that began in mid-May has now spread across large parts of the country.
According to the Meteorological Department, 49 districts were under a heatwave on Wednesday (June 3). As a result, people in both urban and rural areas are struggling with the intense heat.
Yesterday, the country's highest temperature was recorded in Dinajpur at 38.5°C, while Dhaka recorded a maximum temperature of 36.8°C. Combined with high humidity levels, the heat has felt even more oppressive in many areas, worsening public discomfort.
According to the weather forecast, a mild to moderate heatwave is currently sweeping through Chandpur, Noakhali, and Brahmanbaria districts, as well as large areas of the Rangpur, Rajshahi, Dhaka, Khulna, and Barishal divisions.
The Meteorological Department has indicated that there is no sign of any major improvement in the situation for the time being.
However, there is some relief in sight. Today, Thursday (June 4), light to moderate rain or thundershowers accompanied by temporary gusty winds and lightning may occur in some parts of the Rangpur, Dhaka, Mymensingh, Chattogram, and Sylhet divisions, and in one or two places within the Rajshahi, Khulna, and Barishal divisions.
In addition, some areas of the Rangpur, Dhaka, Mymensingh, Chattogram, and Sylhet divisions may experience moderately heavy rainfall.
The weather office also reported that gusty or squally winds from the west or northwest, reaching speeds of 45 to 60 kilometers per hour, may sweep across the Bogura, Tangail, Mymensingh, and Sylhet regions.
Due to the possibility of thunderstorms, river ports in these areas have been advised to display Signal No. 1 warning.
In the capital, the temperature at 6:00 a.m. on Thursday was 29.4°C. The combination of heat and humidity is expected to keep conditions uncomfortable throughout the day. Although there is a chance of rain in some places later in the afternoon or evening, it may not provide significant relief from the overall heatwave.
According to the weather forecast, rainfall may cause a slight drop in daytime temperatures, but nighttime temperatures are expected to remain nearly unchanged.
Until the monsoon becomes fully active, hot and humid conditions are likely to persist across much of the country. Experts therefore advise people to drink plenty of water, use umbrellas when outdoors, and avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.
