Met Office warns hot, humid weather will persist until at least Thursday

Meteorologists forecast another several days of sweltering conditions despite scattered rain

A mild heatwave sweeping across large parts of Bangladesh is expected to persist for another two to three days, according to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD).

Meteorologist Md Omar Faruk said the heatwave currently covers 34 districts, including Tangail, Faridpur, Narsingdi, Gopalganj, Mymensingh, Chandpur, Barishal and Bhola, as well as all districts in the Rajshahi, Rangpur and Khulna divisions.

“Heatwaves are common at this time of year,” Faruk told bdnews24.com. “The current spell is likely to continue for the next few days and may persist until Thursday.”

In its five-day outlook issued on Monday morning, the Met Office forecast temporary gusty or squally winds accompanied by lightning and light to moderate rain or thunderstorms in parts of Chattogram and Sylhet, with isolated rainfall also possible in Rangpur, Dhaka, Mymensingh, Khulna and Barishal divisions.

Some areas of Chattogram and Sylhet may experience moderate to heavy rainfall.

Elsewhere, weather conditions are expected to remain largely dry with partly cloudy skies.

Both daytime and nighttime temperatures are likely to remain almost unchanged across the country, although areas receiving rain could see a slight drop in temperature, Faruk said.

Meteorologists classify temperatures between 36C and 38C as a mild heatwave, 38C to 40C as a moderate heatwave, while temperatures above 40C are considered severe.

Since Monday morning, Dhaka has alternated between sunshine and cloud cover, while high humidity has added to discomfort for commuters, labourers and other outdoor workers.

According to BMD data, the highest temperature recorded in the 24 hours to 6am on Monday was 37.5C in Saidpur, Nilphamari. The lowest temperature was 21.5C in Narsingdi. Kutubdia recorded the country's highest rainfall during the same period, receiving 36mm.

The Met Office forecasts a similar pattern to continue on Tuesday and Wednesday, with rain and thunderstorms forecast mainly for Chattogram and Sylhet and isolated showers elsewhere.

Daytime temperatures may dip slightly on Wednesday, while nighttime temperatures are expected to remain largely unchanged nationwide.