With the heatwave persisting, temperatures across the country continue to rise steadily.
"The Met Office issued heat alert on April 3 and it has extended the heat alert as Bangladesh is likely to experience prolonged heatwave compared to the past of couple of years," Shahnaz Sultana, a meteorologist of Bangladesh Meteorologist Department (BMD), told BSS on Sunday.
"Intensity of heatwave may reduce for very shorter time in some parts of Bangladesh, if rainfall is likely with impact of nor'westers," she said adding, the country may experience temperature fluctuations as some region may experience slight rainfall at end of the month.
Meanwhile, Dhaka recorded a maximum temperature of 40.4°C on Sunday. Previously, in April last year, Dhaka experienced a maximum temperature of 40.6°C.
Over the past 24 hours, temperatures soared to 42.6°C in Jessore, 42.4°C in Chuadanga, 42.4°C in Ishwardi, 41.7°C in Mongla, 41.5°C in Rajshahi, 41.2°C in Kumarkhali and Khulna, 40.8°C in Gopalganj and Faridpur, 40.4°C in Tangail, and 40.3°C in Satkhira.
Meteorologist Omar Faruq said: "Temperatures are slightly higher today (Sunday). These conditions are expected to persist throughout the week. The presence of high levels of humidity in the air is exacerbating the sensation of heat."
The weather forecast until evening suggests the possibility of sporadic gusty winds or thunderstorms in isolated areas of Mymensingh, Sylhet, and Chittagong divisions, with scattered hailstorms in some regions. Elsewhere in the country, the weather is expected to remain predominantly dry with partly cloudy skies.
Intense heatwaves are sweeping through Pabna, Jessore, and Chuadanga districts, while Khulna and Dhaka divisions, including Rajshahi district, are experiencing severe heatwaves.
Mild to moderate heatwaves persist in the remaining parts of Barisal division and Rajshahi division, encompassing Mymensingh, Moulvibazar, Feni, Cox's Bazar, Chandpur, and Rangamati districts.
In terms of temperatures, daytime temperatures may rise by 1-2°C in Rangpur division, while remaining relatively stable elsewhere. Nighttime temperatures are expected to remain largely unchanged across the country. Excessive moisture content may lead to discomfort.
According to officials of different hospitals, lack of expected downpour lingers the nationwide heatwave, triggering an apparent health problem with increased number of people reporting to hospitals with high fever, diarrhoea, pneumonia and sunstroke every day.
Hospitals in Dhaka are seeing a surge in patients from all over the country, presenting symptoms ranging from colds and coughs to fever and vomiting. Diarrhoea, headache, sore throat, and shortness of breath are among the more prevalent complaints among these individuals.
An average of 30 patients are being admitted per hour to the icddr,b in Mohakhali. By 2pm on Saturday, 274 individuals had been admitted for heat and diarrhoea-related complications, a decrease from the previous day's count of 456 admissions, said hospital officials.
Poor working people like day labourers were worst victims as they need to remain exposed to sun for longer periods while several workers like rickshaw pullers said they need to take frequent breaks as the hot spell do not allow them to work for longer period at a stretch.
A significant number of patients, who are suffering from fever, diarrhoea, pneumonia, reported to different private and public hospitals while health experts suggested all to try to stay indoors in possible cases or move out with protection against the scorching sun, covering their heads and bodies under umbrella to avoid sunstroke.
At the press conference held virtually, Health and Family Welfare Minister Professor Dr Samanta Lal Sen directed authorities concerned of the public hospitals to remain ready for extending healthcare services to people as the country is under the grip of severe heatwave.
Looking ahead to Monday evening, forecasts indicate possible rain accompanied by gusty winds or thunderstorms in two areas of Mymensingh and Sylhet division, with scattered hailstorms in some regions. Elsewhere, the weather is projected to remain dry with partly cloudy conditions.
According to Tuesday's forecast, two places in Mymensingh and Sylhet divisions may receive rain with gusty winds or thundershowers temporarily. Along with this, there may be scattered hailstorms at some places. Elsewhere in the country, the weather will remain mainly dry with partly cloudy sky. The prevailing heatwave may continue. Day and night temperatures may remain almost unchanged across the country.
Meteorologists anticipate light rain across the country, including Dhaka, on Wednesday and Thursday, although it is not expected to significantly impact temperatures.
