A mild heatwave has enveloped the Barisal divisional city and is likely to persist for the next three days, causing discomfort for residents.
Barisal Meteorological Office Senior Observer Muhammad Bashir reported a temperature rise of at least 4°C compared to last year.
Presently, the city is experiencing a mild heatwave, with Saturday recording the season's highest temperature of 39.0°C.
By Sunday afternoon, the temperature had slightly dropped to 36.4°C. Bashir predicted that this heatwave could endure for the next week.
The scorching sun has deterred people from venturing outdoors unless absolutely necessary, resulting in sparsely populated roads and reduced foot traffic.
Day laborers are struggling to find work, exacerbating their financial woes. The extreme heat makes it challenging to earn a livelihood, compelling them to grapple with daily expenses.
Livestock are also suffering from the heat, as the scarcity of food and water exacerbates their plight.
Rickshaw driver Afzal Hossain lamented: "I find it difficult to operate my rickshaw in this extreme heat. After earning fares of Tk20-30, I need to take breaks, and the number of passengers has decreased due to the heatwave."
Woodcutter Rashid Mia echoed similar sentiments, adding: "Chopping wood has become unbearable in this scorching weather. I have to take frequent breaks and consume water. Previously, I could cut 10 to 15 maunds of wood per day, but now I'm only managing 5-6 maunds due to the extreme heat."
Residents seek respite from the heat by congregating near the Kirtankhola river adjacent to Muktijoddha Park, where many spend hours bathing to cool down. Others seek shade under trees, with some opting to rest on benches or sleep to escape the sweltering heat.
Meanwhile, a local non-governmental organization is offering relief by distributing cold saline water to pedestrians, alleviating the effects of the heatwave to some extent.
