Muyabia Labony; DHAKA – After days of sweltering heat, the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has provided a glimmer of hope.
While a mild heatwave continues to affect several districts, it is expected to subside starting today, Thursday, accompanied by rain or thundershowers in various parts of the country.
According to the 24-hour forecast released Wednesday morning, an extension of a low-pressure area is situated over the Northwest Bay of Bengal and adjacent areas.
This atmospheric condition is likely to trigger rain or thundershowers accompanied by gusty winds and lightning in parts of the Sylhet, Rangpur, Mymensingh, Dhaka, and Chattogram divisions.
Current Temperature Trends
Currently, a mild heatwave is sweeping over Rajshahi, Pabna, Sirajganj, Jashore, Chuadanga, and Kushtia. Meteorologists predict that:
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Day temperatures across the country may drop by 1°C to 2°C starting today.
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Night temperatures may also see a slight decrease.
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Yesterday, the country’s highest temperature was recorded in Rajshahi at 39.2°C, while the capital, Dhaka, sweltered at 35.2°C.
Regional Rain Forecast
Meteorologist A.K.M. Nazmul Huq noted that rainfall has already begun in some areas, with 71mm recorded in Sylhet yesterday.
“Rainfall activity is expected to increase in the Sylhet and Mymensingh regions today. There is also a possibility of ‘Kalbaishakhi’ (Nor’wester) storms in some areas, which will help bring down the overall temperature,” he said.
The BMD also warned of scattered hailstorms in some locations across the Dhaka, Mymensingh, Khulna, and Sylhet divisions. However, this relief might be temporary, as rain activity is expected to decrease after Friday, potentially leading to another slight rise in temperatures.
Why is April So Hot?
Explaining the intense heat, the weather office stated that during April, the sun’s position is very close to Bangladesh, leading to direct and intense solar radiation.
When combined with high humidity and a heated bay, the “feels-like” temperature becomes significantly higher than the actual reading.
As for any immediate maritime threats, the BMD confirmed there are currently no clear signs of a cyclone forming in the Bay of Bengal.