Heatwave spreads to 49 districts across Bangladesh

The scope of the heatwave has widened to 49 districts from 36 in only 24 hours

A heatwave is sweeping across 49 districts in Bangladesh, expanding fast from 36 the day before, according to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD).

On Tuesday, Nilphamari’s Dimla topped the charts at 38°C, with Dhaka close behind at 36.8°C.

Despite rainfall in Dhaka and some other parts of the country, the heatwave has expanded to 13 additional districts in a single day.

The Met Office, however, has forecast a slight drop in daytime temperatures from Wednesday.

In its latest bulletin, the BMD said a moderate heatwave is affecting Nilphamari, while a mild heatwave is passing over Brahmanbaria, Feni, and much of Rangpur, as well as the divisions of Rajshahi, Dhaka, Mymensingh, Khulna and Sylhet. Some areas may see temporary relief.

The 24-hour forecast from 6pm Tuesday suggests light to moderate rain or thundershowers may occur in parts of Chattogram and Sylhet, and a few areas of Rangpur, Rajshahi, Mymensingh, Dhaka, Khulna and Barishal divisions.

Moderately heavy rain is also likely in some parts of the Chattogram and Sylhet divisions.

Daytime temperatures may ease slightly across the country, while the mercury is expected to be steady at night.

Temperatures from 36°C to 38°C are classed as mild heatwaves, 38°C to 40°C as moderate, 40°C to 42°C as severe, and above 42°C as very severe.