Muyabia Labony ; Dhaka – A mild to moderate heatwave swept over 41 districts across Bangladesh, including the capital city Dhaka, on Wednesday. As the month of Jaistha draws to a close, intense sunlight, scorching winds, and suffocating humidity have thrown public life into severe disarray.
Outdoor workers, including agricultural laborers, rickshaw pullers, and construction workers, are facing the brunt of this extreme weather.
Temperatures in several parts of the country have crossed the 38-degree Celsius mark. According to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD), the heatwave is expected to persist through Thursday.
However, a slight relief is anticipated from Friday onwards as rainfall is projected to increase.
BMD data reveals that the heatwave affected Dhaka, Narayanganj, Tangail, Faridpur, Madaripur, Gopalganj, Manikগঞ্জ, Mymensingh, Chandpur, Noakhali, Brahmanbaria, Lakshmipur, Barisal, Patuakhali, and Bhola. Additionally, all eight districts of the Rajshahi division, eight districts of the Rangpur division, and ten districts of the Khulna division experienced the scorching heat.
Meteorologist Md. Abdul Hamid Mia stated, “The heatwave is likely to continue across most regions on Thursday. Even if it rains in some places, the heat will not subside immediately. However, the intensity and spread of the heatwave are expected to decrease by Friday.”
In the capital, the maximum temperature was recorded at 36.8 degrees Celsius, but due to high humidity, the perceived temperature felt much higher. Nagar residents struggled with the intense morning sun and heavy moisture in the air.
Asha Muntaha, a private sector employee traveling from Mohammadpur to her workplace in Banglamotor, shared her plight: “I didn’t dare to board a bus because of the heat. Even after paying multiple times the regular fare for a CNG auto-rickshaw, there was no relief.”
By afternoon, streets in various areas of the capital saw significantly low foot traffic. Footpath vendors, rickshaw pullers, and transport workers were seen seeking shelter under shady trees to escape the blazing sun.
The country’s highest temperature on Wednesday was recorded in Dinajpur at 38.5 degrees Celsius. Additionally, Chuadanga recorded 38 degrees Celsius, and Lalpur in Natore reached 38.2 degrees Celsius.
Jaminur Rahman, in charge of the Chuadanga First-Class Weather Observatory, noted that temperatures in the district have been rising consistently. “Fluctuating humidity levels are making the weather feel even more suffocating. There is a chance of rain starting Thursday, which might bring the temperature down,” he said. By noon, streets in Chuadanga were nearly deserted as people avoided leaving their homes unless absolutely necessary.
In Lalpur, Natore, Wednesday brought the highest temperature of the season. According to the Ishwardi Weather Office, the temperature reached 38.2 degrees Celsius, up from 36.8 degrees Celsius on Tuesday and 36.5 degrees Celsius on Monday. Nazmul Haque, an observer at the Ishwardi office, confirmed that a moderate heatwave is passing over the Ishwardi and Lalpur regions, with no immediate signs of heavy rain. Local residents reported that stepping outside at noon felt like facing blasts of hot air, and even stored water was heating up rapidly, causing many to fall ill.
In its long-term forecast, the BMD indicated that total rainfall this month might be lower than usual. However, multiple low-pressure systems could develop, one of which might intensify into a monsoon depression.
Typically, June sees an average rainfall of 459 mm, the second-highest of the year, following July’s average of 523 mm. Interestingly, April and May saw above-normal rainfall, with April experiencing a 75% increase that caused extensive damage to Boro crops in the haor (wetland) regions.
BMD Director Md. Mominul Islam explained that rising temperatures cannot be blamed solely on the El Niño phenomenon. “Climate change, rapid urbanization, deforestation, air pollution, and natural weather shifts are collectively driving this extreme heat,” he said.
He added that while El Niño clears skies and allows direct sunlight to heat the ground in South Asia, Bangladesh’s long-term rising temperatures are heavily linked to global climate change.
According to World Bank data, Bangladesh’s average maximum temperature has risen by about 1.1 degrees Celsius since 1980, with Dhaka warming up even faster than the national average.
The BMD has warned that 8 to 10 heatwaves could sweep across the country over the next three months, with three to four expected in June alone. Senior meteorologist Bazlur Rashid noted that under El Niño’s influence, this year’s monsoon season might see below-average rainfall alongside higher temperatures.
Doctors have issued warnings regarding elevated risks of heat stroke, dehydration, diarrhea, and other heat-related illnesses. They advised citizens to stay indoors between 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM unless necessary.
If traveling outside, using umbrellas, hats, or sunglasses is highly recommended, alongside consuming plenty of pure water, green coconut water, and lemon juice. Special care should be provided to children and the elderly during this period.