The entire country is reeling under a mild to moderate heatwave, which may further continue, according to a weather forecast issued by the Bangladesh Meteorology Department Thursday.
Dhaka recorded the highest temperature of 39.5 degrees Celsius of the season Thursday, while Chuadanga recorded the highest 41 degrees.
The evening bulletin of the Met Office said that weather may remain dry with a temporary partly cloudy sky over the country over the next 24 hours.
It said that a severe heat wave is sweeping over the districts of Faridpur, Manikgonj, Rajshahi, Pabna, Bagerhat, Jessore, Chuadanga and Kushtia and a mild to moderate heat wave is sweeping over Barisal and Chittagong divisions.
“The highest temperature of the country this season was recorded at 41 degrees Celsius in Chuadanga at 3pm. There is no possibility of rain for now. As a result, this temperature will increase further. And from Thursday, the intense heat wave has started,” Jaminur Rahman, in charge of Chuadanga Weather Observatory, was quoted as saying by UNB.
He also said that the temperature in March and April is higher than normal as Chuadanga is close to the Tropic of Cancer.
“The average temperature rose in March due to lack of adequate rainfall this year. In continuation of this, the temperature increased further in April,” he added.
Meanwhile, the highest temperature in the country has been prevailing in Khulna division for the last 12 days.
The temperature may rise during this time. And then there is the possibility of rain, officials said.
In Bogra, the day's highest temperature was recorded at 37.5 degrees Celsius. With the rise in temperature, the demand for electricity has also increased and day to day activities are being severely impacted.
In Kushtia, the day's highest temperature was recorded at 40 degrees Celsius. City dwellers, especially pedestrians, low-income people and students are easily exhausted when outdoors due to the excessive heat. Many stray dogs, cats and birds were seen going to nearby drains or water bodies to find relief from the heat.