Bangladesh braces for heat waves, storms in March

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department says that Bangladesh may see one to two heat waves during March.

The long-term forecast released on Sunday says that the west and south-west areas of the country may experience a mild to moderate heat wave during the month as day and nighttime temperatures gradually rise.

A heat wave occurs when the temperature rises to a certain level over a large area. When the temperature ranges between 36 to 38 degrees Celsius, it is considered a mild heat wave. When it rises into the 38 to 40 degrees Celsius range, it is considered a moderate heat wave. Temperatures between 40 to 42 degrees Celsius are considered to be severe heat waves. If temperatures range higher than 42 degrees Celsius, it is considered a very severe heat wave.

The forecast for March also says that two or three days of the year may see mild to moderate thunderstorms and hailstorms, and one day may see a severe nor’wester storm, known locally as a Kalboishakhi storm.

Despite this, the BMD says there will be less rain this March than usual and the major rivers and streams in the country will flow at their regular level.

No cyclones or depressions are expected in the Bay of Bengal in March.