Is soaring temperature in Dhaka becoming a new normal?
Experts say that the mid-April temperature surge already resembles peak summer conditions, warning that intense heat and extended heatwaves may dominate most of the year, disrupting daily life
As temperatures rise, prolonged heatwaves and increasingly erratic weather patterns are expected to intensify public discomfort in Dhaka in the coming months.
Several regions across the country have been experiencing mild to moderate heatwaves since late March — a trend showing no signs of abating.
Experts say that the mid-April temperature surge already resembles peak summer conditions, warning that intense heat and extended heatwaves may dominate most of the year, disrupting daily life.
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Meteorologists predict further rises in temperature from late April through the middle of the year.
According to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD), this month's temperatures are likely to remain above normal, with an elevated risk of severe heatwaves across the country.
Climate change has significantly altered Bangladesh's weather patterns, impacting natural ecosystems, agriculture, livelihoods, and the broader economy.
The country's once-distinct six seasons are becoming increasingly blurred, with winter ending prematurely and summer-like heat beginning well before the official start of the season.
As in recent years, BMD sources expect this year's summer and monsoon seasons to be prolonged.
Annual reports from the Met Office show that just a decade ago, Bangladesh regularly experienced prolonged cold spells in January and February, with dense fog and temperatures dropping to 7–8°C in parts of northern Bangladesh.
In contrast, the average minimum temperature this January stood at 13.6°C — about one degree higher than the previous year.
Professor Ahmad Kamruzzaman Majumder, chairman of the Centre for Atmospheric Pollution Studies (CAPS), told UNB that the average temperature in Dhaka has risen by over 3°C in the past 7–8 years.
"In 2017, the average temperature in areas under Dhaka South City Corporation was 33.50°C, which climbed to 36.54°C in 2024. The trend suggests a further rise by mid-2025. Dhaka North City Corporation has seen an even steeper increase — nearly 4°C. The average there jumped from 33.39°C in 2017 to 37.38°C last year," he said.
According to CAPS data, the most dramatic temperature increase was recorded in Mohakhali, where the average rose from 33.50°C in 2017 to 41.5°C in 2024 — a staggering 7.5°C rise. Areas such as Tejgaon, Mirpur-10, and Farmgate also saw temperature increases of over 3.5°C during the same period.
He noted that heatwaves began affecting various regions from late March and are still ongoing. While some areas, including Dhaka, have experienced nor'westers, temperatures are likely to rise further.
Professor Kamruzzaman emphasised the urgency of adopting climate-resilient policies and effective environmental measures.
"Only three of the six seasons are now discernible — summer, monsoon, and a shortened winter. Seasons like autumn, late autumn, and spring are gradually vanishing. Although several recommendations were made last year during extreme heat conditions and some government initiatives were taken, little progress is visible," he said.
He blamed global warming, deforestation, unplanned urbanisation, and carbon emissions for causing severe disruptions. "If immediate steps aren't taken, the situation may worsen in the coming years," he warned.
Bazlur Rashid, a meteorologist at the BMD, told UNB that this year is also likely to experience higher-than-usual temperatures.
"While it is hard to pinpoint exactly when the temperature will peak, the mid-April heat indicates it may escalate soon," he added.
He pointed out a shift in heatwave patterns — previously beginning in March, they now start later and last longer. This year's heat build-up began in late March and is expected to continue.
Senior meteorologist Abul Kalam Mallik said climate change is impacting agricultural output, biodiversity, and overall living standards.
"The once six-season cycle is rapidly collapsing. Irregular rainfall, extreme heat, and prolonged droughts are becoming the new reality," he said.
Farhina Ahmed, Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, said the Paris Climate Agreement target of limiting global warming to below 1.5°C has already been breached.
"Accumulated greenhouse gases from fossil fuels continue to heat the planet. In Bangladesh, forest coverage has declined alarmingly, and rural water bodies are disappearing as canals and ponds are filled in. This loss of natural cooling agents is exacerbating the rise in temperature," she said.
