Heatwave spreads across 38 districts, to persist over the weekend

A heatwave is currently sweeping across 38 districts of Bangladesh and may continue for another couple of days, according to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department.

Speaking to bdnews24.com, meteorologist Hafizur Rahman said, “Unrelenting rain is likely to begin from Sunday and may last for several days. That should help ease the heat.”

In its regular weather bulletin, the Met Office said a mild heatwave is affecting Dhaka, Narayanganj, Madaripur, and Kishoreganj districts, along with the divisions of Rangpur, Rajshahi, Khulna, Mymensingh, and Sylhet.

On Friday, the mercury peaked in Dimla, Nilphamari at 38.5°C, while Dhaka recorded a maximum temperature of 36°C.

The forecast for the 24 hours from 6pm on Friday suggests that some areas of Chattogram, Mymensingh, and Sylhet divisions, alongside different places in Rangpur, Rajshahi, Dhaka, Khulna, and Barishal divisions may experience occasional gusty winds accompanied by light to moderate rain or thundershowers.

Some areas may also see moderate to heavy rainfall.

On Thursday, the heatwave had affected 26 districts.

Temperatures from 36°C to 38°C are classed as mild heatwaves, 38°C to 40°C as moderate, 40°C to 42°C as severe, and above 42°C as very severe.