Chuadanga, a district in southwestern Bangladesh, is known for experiencing intense heat during the summer months and extreme cold in the winter.
Many are curious about the factors contributing to such extreme temperature fluctuations in this particular area.
The district recently recorded the country's highest temperature for nearly two consecutive weeks.
On Saturday, Chuadanga recorded a temperature of 37.5°C. Earlier this month, temperatures had consistently climbed, reaching 42.5°C on April 17.
The highest temperature ever recorded in Chuadanga was 43°C in 2014. In 2021, the highest temperature was 41°C and this year it rose to over 42°C.
Environmentalists and experts attribute the higher intensity of heat in Chuadanga to six factors, including its geographical location and natural features.
According to them, the main reasons for these extreme temperatures include geographical location, climate change, a lack of rainfall, the establishment of industries and factories, the destruction of arable land and the environment, and man-made crises.
These factors contribute to the intense heat during the summer and the extreme cold during the winter.
Amirul Azad, a senior meteorologist at the Bangladesh Meteorological Department's Khulna office, pointed out that the Tropic of Cancer passes over Chuadanga, which is the primary cause of the intense temperatures.
"The Tropic of Cancer passes through Chuadanga, Jessore, Ishwardi and Rajshahi. This is why intense heat is experienced during the summer and extreme cold in the winter. The upper layer of the atmosphere does not change easily here," he said.
"The geographic location and atmospheric rules will continue to create such weather. However, the weather will change with rainfall or the arrival of winter," he added.
Jaminur Rahman, the person in charge of the Chuadanga Weather Observatory, agreed with this assessment.
He also highlighted factors such as shrinking rivers, reduced rainfall, destruction of arable land and the environment, and the establishment of industries and factories that have contributed to the increase in temperature.
Prof Md Mustafa Saroar, head of the urban and regional planning department at Khulna University of Engineering and Technology, highlighted the connection between the Padma River area and the high temperatures.
"The temperature is higher in the Padma River area. It is related to climate and vegetation. The heat flow will cause higher temperatures, and, conversely, temperatures will be lower at different times," he said.
He attributed the lack of rainfall to the intense heat and warned that such heat flow can create sudden nor'westers, and many regions will experience heavy rainfall and storms that will damage crops and properties.
The head of the Environmental Science discipline at Khulna University, Dr Abdullah Harun Chowdhury, said that climate change and human-induced crises are causing extreme heat in Chuadanga.
"Once, the hottest area in the country was Natore's Lalpur. Now, due to climate change and human-induced crises, it is being felt in Chuadanga," he said, adding that the temperature is increasing day by day due to land reclamation, drought, lowland flooding and decreased water levels.
Meanwhile, people's lives have been disrupted by the drastic temperature changes.
Paddy fields are being burned due to the heat, causing extensive damage to crops.
Day labourers and van-rickshaw drivers are the most vulnerable, unable to work in the heat.
Shafiul Alam, a farmer from Kulchara village in Chuadanga Sadar upazila, said it has been very difficult to endure the heat, and farmers cannot work in the field.
"The extreme heat is affecting our crops and our livelihoods. We are struggling to find ways to adapt," he added.
Rickshaw-van puller Mahbub Hossain from the same upazila said: "I do not have the strength to take another trip after one. I get exhausted from the heat. The heat is not decreasing in any way. This is affecting our income."
The number of patients is also increasing at the district government-run hospital and upazila health complexes, as many people are becoming sick from the excessive heat.
Chuadanga Sadar Hospital Resident Medical Officer Dr Fateh Akram said most of the patients coming for treatment are affected by various heat-related diseases.
"They are being treated and recovering within a few days," he added.
