Dhaka swelters as mild heatwave spreads across 14 districts

Rajshahi records the season's highest temperature at 37.5°C

A mild heatwave is sweeping through 14 districts of Bangladesh, bringing humid, uncomfortable conditions as the country moves from the final days of the Bengali year into the New Year.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) said the spell began on Monday -- the final day of the outgoing Bengali year.

The weather bulletin shows the heatwave covering Faridpur, Rajshahi, Pabna, Sirajganj, and all 10 districts of the Khulna Division.

Forecasters say the conditions are likely to persist for several days.

“The mild heatwave is likely to continue until Thursday,” Meteorologist Afroza Sultana told bdnews24.com in the evening.

The Met Office has also forecast a slight rise in both day and night temperatures nationwide on Tuesday, the first day of the Bangla New Year.

Temperatures are expected to remain largely unchanged on Wednesday, before a possible shift later in the week.

“There is a chance of increased rainfall activity on Thursday, which may bring a slight fall in daytime temperatures,” Afroza said.

On Monday, residents of Dhaka also felt the impact of the intense sun, with high humidity making conditions particularly difficult for pedestrians and outdoor labourers.

The capital recorded a maximum temperature of 35.5°C.

Rajshahi logged the highest temperature of the season at 37.5°C over the past 24 hours, while the lowest temperature was recorded at 19°C in Rajarhat of Kurigram.

Sylhet registered the country’s highest rainfall in the same period, with 6mm recorded in the 24 hours to 6pm.

From 6pm on Monday, the Met Office said rain or thundershowers, accompanied by temporary gusty winds and lightning, are likely in parts of the Sylhet Division, and at one or two locations in Dhaka, Mymensingh, and Chattogram divisions.

Elsewhere in the country, weather conditions are expected to remain mainly dry with partly cloudy skies.