3 days heat alert issued across Bangladesh

Bangladesh Meteorological Department has issued a 72-hour heat alert nationwide as a heatwave is sweeping across the country. 

This heatwave is expected to continue for the next 72 hours starting Friday, and temperatures may rise further.

Discomfort might increase due to high humidity, this information has been given in a warning of the Meteorological Department signed by Meteorologist Dr Mohammad Abul Kalam Mallik.

Meteorologist Tarikul Newaz Kabir said: “A temperature of 41.3° was recorded in Chuadanga, the highest in the country.”

The Chuadanga Meteorological Office reported that the temperature recorded at 3pm on Friday. This district has recorded the country's highest temperature for three consecutive days.

The temperature in the Chuadanga and Meherpur regions has fluctuated between 40° and 41°. The negligible difference between day and night temperatures has made life unbearable in these areas.

Due to the intense heatwave, the number of heat-related illnesses in hospitals in these areas is increasing. Low-income workers, who earn their livelihood through physical labour, are in trouble as they can not work even if they leave their homes when necessary.

To raise public awareness during this severe heatwave, the Chuadanga District Administration is using loudspeakers in key areas of the city to warn pedestrians and residents. They are advised not to go outside unless absolutely necessary, and extra precautions are being requested for children and the elderly.

Chuadanga Weather Observatory Centre in-Charge Jaminur Rahman said: “The heat feels more intense due to increased humidity in the air. Last Tuesday and Wednesday, the district recorded maximum temperatures of 40.6° and 40.8°, respectively.”

On April 19 and 20, 2023, the highest seasonal temperature was 42.8°, an extremely severe heatwave. If there is no rain soon, this record could be broken this year.

Meanwhile, parents have demanded that educational institutions remain closed until the heatwave subsides. Some have called for holidays in educational institutions due to the heat before the summer vacation starts.

Chuadanga  Education Officer Ataur Rahman has already informed the directorate about the heatwave and said: “The ongoing heatwave in Chuadanga has been reported to the directorate, but no instructions have been received yet. Measures will be taken once instructions are received.”