Two spells of severe heat waves to scorch Bangladesh for May

The Meteorological Department has wanred of at least two more bouts of heat waves sweeping over Bangladesh during May.

In its long-term forecast issued on Monday, it said the north and north-west regions may come under the dual assault of heat and humidity.

Other regions are likely to experience two or more spells of mild to medium heat waves.

Met Office Assistant Director Mahnaz Khan said a depression might form in the Bay of Bengal during this month and it could turn into a cyclone.

Meteorologists also predicted a flash flood in the north-east region due to excessive rainfall and landslide at the end of May.

Regular rainfall is likely to occur during this month.

Met officials foresee 8-15 days of rainfall in each of the divisions.

According to the weather forecast for the next 24 hours, rain or thunder showers accompanied by temporary gusty or squally wind may occur at a few places over Dhaka, Sylhet, Chittagong, Khulna and Barisal divisions and at one or two places over Rangpur and Rajshahi divisions.

Mercury may drop up to 4 degrees Celsius as a result of the rains, which will lessen the heat at Dhaka, Rajshahi, Barisal, Rangpur and Khulna.

A mild heat wave is currently blowing over Khulna, Mongla, Satkhira and Jessore and it may continue.

The highest temperature on Sunday was recorded at Jessore at 40.6 degrees Celsius.

During April, four heavy spells of heat waves swept over several areas of Rajshahi, Rangpur and Khulna division.

The mercury soared to 41.2 degrees Celsius on Apr 29 at Rajshahi, which was the highest for the month.

The country recorded 52 percent less rainfall than usual in April, according to the Met Office.  

Several places in Bangladesh, however, experienced much-awaited rains on Sunday, bringing some relief from the scorching heat.

Dhaka, Faridpur, Madaripur, Chittagong, Sandwip, Sitakundu, Rangamati, Comilla, Chandpur, Feni, Hatia, Cox’s Bazar, Kutubdia, Teknaf, Sylhet, Srimangal, Khulna, Jessore, Chuadanga, Barisal, Patuakhali, Bhola and several other districts soaked in rain on Sunday.

Rain also fell in Chittagong and several other places on Monday.