Heatwave sweeps 27 districts including Dhaka, likely to persist Saturday

A mild heatwave has been affecting different parts of the country since the beginning of April. At least 27 districts experienced mild to moderate heatwave conditions today, Friday.

According to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD), the situation is likely to continue in various areas tomorrow, Saturday, as well.

The highest temperature in the country today was recorded in Chuadanga, which also registered the highest temperature yesterday. Temperatures in the capital, Dhaka, have also risen compared to the previous day.

Meteorologist AKM Nazmul Haque of the BMD stated that heatwave conditions are prevailing across all districts of the Rajshahi Division and Khulna Division, as well as in nine additional districts including Dhaka.

Rajshahi and Khulna divisions together comprise 18 districts. With the addition of nine more—Faridpur, Gopalganj, Manikganj, Narayanganj, Chandpur, Rangamati, Barishal, and Patuakhali—the total number of affected districts stands at 27.

A mild heatwave is defined when the maximum temperature in an area ranges between 36°C and 37.9°C. Temperatures between 38°C and 39.9°C indicate a moderate heatwave, while 40°C to 41.9°C is classified as a severe heatwave.

When temperatures exceed 42°C, it is considered an extreme heatwave. Based on these criteria, several parts of the country are currently experiencing moderate heatwave conditions.

Today’s highest temperature was recorded at 39.7°C in Chuadanga, followed by 39.5°C in Rajshahi. Yesterday, Chuadanga recorded a maximum temperature of 38.5°C.

In Dhaka, a heatwave is also ongoing, with the highest temperature reaching 36.1°C today, up from 35.5°C yesterday.

Meteorologist AKM Nazmul Haque told Prothom Alo that heatwave conditions may persist in parts of the country on Saturday. However, there is a possibility of storms and rainfall from Sunday in some areas, which could temporarily ease the situation.