Mild heatwave sweeps Dhaka, 13 other districts

A mild heatwave is currently affecting 14 districts, with Dhaka among them, and is expected to persist on Monday, according to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD).

The heat is expected to gradually ease starting Tuesday.

“The heatwave affecting these 14 districts is unlikely to expand significantly. Temperatures may begin to drop from Tuesday,” Meteorologist Hafizur Rahman told bdnews24.com on Sunday.

On the likelihood of rainfall, he said: “Towards the end of this week, there may be isolated light showers, with the possibility of nor’westers and thunderstorms.”

According to the BMD’s Sunday evening bulletin, the districts affected by the mild heatwave include Dhaka, Faridpur, Manikganj, Rajshahi, Pabna, Sirajganj, Rangamati, Khulna, Bagerhat, Jashore, Chuadanga, Kushtia, Bhola, and Patuakhali.

Some areas in Khulna, Dhaka, and Sylhet divisions may also experience gusty or squally winds, along with lightning and rain.

Scattered hailstorms are also possible in some places.

Elsewhere, the weather is expected to remain mostly dry, with partly cloudy skies.

Day and night temperatures across the country are likely to remain nearly unchanged, and the high humidity may continue to cause discomfort.

Meteorologists classify a temperature range between 36 and 38 degrees Celsius as a mild heatwave, while 38-40 degrees Celsius is considered a moderate heatwave. If temperatures rise to 40-42 degrees Celsius, it is termed a severe heatwave. Readings above 42 degrees Celsius are classified as an extreme heatwave.

In the last 24 hours, the highest recorded temperature in the country was 37.7 degrees Celsius in Rajshahi’s Baghabari. The lowest temperature was 19 degrees Celsius in Sylhet.

During this period, Sylhet recorded the highest rainfall at 68mm, while other parts of the country received little to no significant rainfall.