Jashore records country's highest temperature at 38.6°C as heatwave intensifies

Jashore recorded the country's highest temperature at 38.6 degrees Celsius today (4 June) as a moderate heatwave swept across the district, intensifying public suffering and disrupting daily life.

The temperature was up from 38.2 degrees Celsius recorded in the district yesterday (3 June).

The information was confirmed by the weather office under the Bir Sreshtho Matiur Rahman Air Base in Jashore.

Nurul Islam, a rickshaw puller resting in the shade near Circuit House on Mujib Road, told The Business Standard the heat had made it feel as though his body was being burned while working.

"Despite the heat, I have to keep driving my rickshaw. But passenger numbers have fallen, and I often return empty after dropping off a fare from Daratana intersection to other parts of the city," he said.

Kalam Hossain, who sells sugarcane juice in the Laldighirpar area, said demand for cold drinks had increased significantly because of the heat.

"Many people are coming to drink sugarcane juice, but it is difficult to stand on the roadside for long. I have to find shade to continue working," he said.

Doctors warn that excessive sweating can lead to dehydration, weakness, dizziness, nausea, fluctuations in blood pressure and other heat-related illnesses. Children, older people, pregnant women and those with chronic illnesses are considered particularly vulnerable.

The effects are also being felt in healthcare facilities, with Jashore General Hospital and other hospitals, clinics and upazila health complexes in the district reporting an increase in patients suffering from heat-related conditions.

Jessore Deputy Civil Surgeon Dr Nazmus Sadik Russell said high humidity levels, combined with elevated temperatures, were making conditions particularly uncomfortable.

"Excessive sweating causes the body to lose water and electrolytes, leading to dehydration, weakness, dizziness and other heat-related problems. Pedestrians, labourers, students and elderly people should drink sufficient clean water and oral saline to reduce the risk of heatstroke and dehydration," he said.

He also urged people to avoid unnecessary exposure to the sun and called for greater public awareness about heat-related health risks.

According to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, the heatwave has persisted in Jashore for several days and may continue for a few more days. While occasional rainfall may temporarily lower temperatures, it has so far failed to bring any lasting relief.

The ongoing heatwave has scorched the district's environment, with roads, marketplaces and agricultural fields experiencing intense heat, particularly during midday hours. Residents say stepping outdoors feels like being hit by waves of hot air.

The extreme weather has been especially difficult for daily wage earners. Many people have been seen using umbrellas to shield themselves from the sun, while workers take breaks by the roadside, splash water on their faces or consume sugarcane juice, saline water and other drinks in an attempt to stay cool.