In April, Bangladesh faced a severe heatwave for three weeks before sporadic rains gave some relief. Then came the nor'westers, and in mid-May, the country's coastal areas, mainly Teknaf and St Martin's Island of Cox's Bazar, were battered by super cyclone Mocha.
Some rains occurred since then, and different parts of the country are feeling the brunt of another heatwave which is likely to prevail for at least a week as an effect of a westerly low lying over West Bengal and adjoining areas.
Even though extreme weather conditions are not unexpected to people anymore, their discomfort has increased due to excessive moisture. Because of the excessive heat, meteorologists have warned people against staying outside for long.
On May 29, a child playing football in a playground died of heatstroke in Tangail while two tea garden labourers in Moulvibazar on May 31.
According to Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD), Rajshahi saw the highest 40.5 degrees Celsius with Dinajpur, Saidpur, Jessore and Chuadanga areas registering temperatures over 40 degrees or severe heatwave on Friday.
On the other hand, moderate heatwaves or above 38 degrees Celsius temperature was recorded in 13 other districts in the country.
During the day, insignificant light rains were recorded in Sylhet (7mm), Netrokona (4mm), Sherpur (3mm), Rangamati (2mm) and Moulvibazar (1mm).
The Met Office predicts rain or thundershowers accompanied by a temporary gusty wind to occur at one or two places over Chittagong and Sylhet divisions on Saturday.
The weather may remain mainly dry with a temporary partly cloudy sky elsewhere in the next few days when the southwest monsoon may advance up to the Teknaf coast, the BMD said in a bulletin on Friday evening.
Other independent weather observers forecast dry weather with high temperatures and a severe heatwave at least till next Friday.
In April, most districts of the country, mainly those in Khulna, Rajshahi and Rangpur regions, went through one of the worst heatwaves of the country with little rain and low wind. People's woes increased manifold when the country experienced power outages.
As a result of being out in the hot sun, the body becomes dehydrated, and those who have blood pressure and diabetes are getting sick more, experts say. The high heat increases the risk of strokes and heart attacks.
People are visiting hospitals with dizziness, blurred vision, and chest pain.
Persistent heat also increases the number of hospital admissions of children with diarrhoea.
Reasons for high temperature
Meteorologists say the Ishwardi-Rajshahi belt of the Chuadanga-Jessore region is on the geographic Tropic of Cancer line. Due to geographical reasons, this belt is extremely hot in summer and cold in winter.
Once upon a time, the hottest area of the country was Lalpur of Natore. That situation has changed due to man-made causes. The temperature is rising due to the filling of wetlands, and lack of water and low-lying areas are becoming barren, and reservoirs are also gradually decreasing, experts say.
Among other reasons, city weather becomes hot due to severe air pollution, loss of forests and parks, and an increasing number of engine-run vehicles, ACs and air coolers.
When an area consists of forest cover, water bodies, and wetlands, a significant portion of the sun's energy is used for evapotranspiration, through which the atmosphere cools like a person's body releasing heat through sweating.
What to do if you feel unwell
As the heatwave is continuing with high temperatures across the country, many people, mainly children, are falling sick. The World Health Organisation (WHO) says when someone feels dizzy, weak, anxious or has intense thirst and headache during a heatwave, it is best to move to a cool place as soon as possible and measure body temperature.
Drinking some water or fruit juice can rehydrate the body.
Taking rest immediately in a cool place if attacked by painful muscular spasms (particularly in the legs, arms or abdomen), and drinking oral rehydration solutions containing electrolytes is very helpful.
Medical attention is needed if heat cramps last more than an hour. For unusual symptoms or if symptoms persist, the person should consult a doctor.
If anyone presents hot dry skin and delirium, convulsions and/or unconsciousness, a doctor or ambulance should be called immediately. While waiting for help, the person has to be moved to a cool place, and put in a horizontal position by elevating legs and hips.
Then clothing must be removed and given external cooling, for example, by placing cold packs on the neck, axillae and groin, fanning continuously and spraying the skin with water at 25-30 degrees Celsius. Giving acetylsalicylic acid or paracetamol is prohibited.
Regarding dresses, WHO suggests using light bed linen and sheets, and no cushions can help avoid heat accumulation.
People should be selective while having food during a heatwave. They should drink regularly, but avoid alcohol and too much caffeine and sugar. They need to eat small meals and eat more often. Avoiding foods that are high in protein is very helpful.
