Met Office forecasts scorching June with two to three heatwaves likely

Temperatures could rise as high as 40°C in some areas

File Photo

Bangladesh is likely to endure a hotter-than-usual June, with meteorologists forecasting several heatwaves and temperatures rising to around 40°C in some parts of the country.

In its monthly long-range forecast issued on Monday, the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) said two to three mild to moderate heatwaves are likely during June, warning that temperatures could climb significantly above seasonal averages.

The outlook comes as a mild heatwave is already sweeping across 34 districts, including Tangail, Faridpur, Narsingdi, Gopalganj, Mymensingh, Chandpur, Barishal and Bhola, as well as all districts in the Rajshahi, Rangpur and Khulna divisions.

Meteorologist Md Omar Faruk said the current spell is expected to continue for several more days.

“Heatwaves are common at this time of year,” he told bdnews24.com. “The present spell is likely to persist until Thursday.”

Faruk said the heatwave now affecting large parts of the country is included in the Met Office’s forecast of multiple heatwaves for June.

The department is also predicting below-normal rainfall this month, a factor that could keep both daytime and nighttime temperatures above average across many regions.

Looking beyond the heat, the Met Office forecast up to two low-pressure systems forming over the Bay of Bengal during June, one of which could develop into a monsoon depression.

The southwest monsoon is expected to remain active across the country during the first half of the month, bringing light to moderate thunderstorms on five to seven days.

The BMD said major rivers are expected to remain within their normal ranges.

However, isolated spells of heavy rainfall could trigger temporary rises in water levels in parts of the north, northeast and southeast.