Mild heatwave sweeps across country, Sylhet sees rain

A total of 40mm of rain has been recorded in Sylhet in 24 hours as of 6am on Wednesday

A mild heatwave us sweeping through the Rajshahi, Dinajpur, Syedpur and Chuadanga divisions, the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) says.

The BMD’s forecast says the heatwave, the first in the season, is likely to continue.

Meanwhile, Sylhet experienced 5mm of rainfall from 6am to 9am on Wednesday. In addition, 40mm of rain was recorded in Sylhet over the last 24 hours, said Meteorologist Shahnaz Sultana.

Shahnaz said the weather in the country would remain largely dry with a partially cloudy sky on Thursday. However, the day and night temperatures may increase slightly.

Rain with thunderstorms and temporary gusts of wind is expected in some parts of the Dhaka, Khulna, Barishal, and Sylhet divisions on Friday and in the Mymensingh and Sylhet divisions on Saturday.

The highest temperature in the country in the 24 hours to 6am was 38 degrees Celsius in Rajshahi. The highest temperature in Dhaka was 36 degrees Celsius.

Meteorologist Omar Faruk said a day ago, “The rise in temperature will continue until Thursday. Then there may be rainfall in some parts on Apr 5 and rain with thunderstorms on Apr 6 in different parts of the country. The weather will cool down after the rain.”

EXPECTED WEATHER IN APRIL

Citing the long-term BMD forecast, Faruk said the formation of one or two low-pressure systems may form over the Bay of Bengal and one of them may turn into a depression or cyclone.

April is predicted to see light to moderate rain with hailstorms and thunderstorms for five to six days and strong Kalboishakhis, or nor’wester storms for three days.

He said, “The country may see at least two to four mild heatwaves and one to two severe heatwaves in April.”

When temperatures range between 36 to 38 degrees Celsius over a significant area, it is considered a mild heat wave. When the mercury rises to 38 to 40 degrees Celsius, it is a moderate heat wave. Temperatures from 40 to 42 degrees Celsius are considered a severe heatwave, while temperatures above 42 degrees Celsius are labelled a very severe heatwave.