Current heatwave likely to continue: BMD

The prevailing severe heat wave is likely to continue in Rajshahi, Pabna, Bagerhat, Jashore, Chuadanga and Kushtia districts, the Met office says. 

Besides, the mild-to-moderate heat wave sweeping over Dhaka, Rangpur and Barishal divisions, the rest of Rajshahi and Khulna divisions and the district of Moulvibazar may continue, according to a weather forecast by the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD).

"The heat wave will continue and remain unchanged, but in some places the temperature may fall due to rains, but there will be no impact of it on the other areas where there is no rainfall," Hafizur Rahman, a meteorologist, told news agency UNB.

Rain or thunder showers accompanied by temporary gusty or squally wind are likely to occur at one or two places over Sylhet division today with hails at isolated places. 

Weather may remain mainly dry, with temporary partly cloudy sky elsewhere over the country.

Day and night temperatures may rise slightly over the country. Due to the increase of moisture, discomfort may increase, the Met office said. 

Highest temperature continues in Chuadanga 

The highest temperature of the country was recorded in Chuadanga for the last two days, with mercury hitting 39 degrees Celsius at 12pm on Thursday and the season's highest of 40.8 degrees Celsius on Wednesday. 

A day earlier, the district's temperature was 40.6 degrees Celsius. The humidity in the air was 15% on Thursday, reports our Chuadanga correspondent. 

Jaminur Rahman, officer-in-charge of Chuadanga Meteorological Office, said, "Since the start of Baishakh, a moderate to severe heat wave has been sweeping over Chuadanga. People are suffering due to the heat wave." 

"The temperature is likely to increase every day, and it will only drop if it rains. So far, there is no chance of rain," he added. 

In 2023, temperature reached 42.8 degrees Celsius in the district on 19 and 20 April. This year, it may exceed 43 degrees. Heat is felt more due to higher temperature, he further said. 

Kamruzzaman Beltu, a resident of Garabaria village, said, "It is becoming very difficult to work in the field because of the scorching heat. It is not possible to stay in the field for a long time. Crop fields are getting spoiled as the soil is drying up even after irrigation." 

Hafizur Rahman, a former teacher at Courtpara, said, drinking water again and again is not enough to quench the thirst. Rain is absolutely necessary. There is no alternative to planting trees to maintain the balance of the environment."