Most countries, including the capital Dhaka, have been experiencing hot and humid weather for the past week due to a moderate heatwave sweeping over Dhaka, Rajshahi, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram, and Sylhet.
"It may continue; a mild to moderate heatwave is sweeping over Rajshahi, Dhaka, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram, and Sylhet divisions, as well as the districts of Rangpur and Nilphamari," said Omar Faruk of the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD).
According to the BMD forecasts, the prevailing heatwave conditions are likely to persist, and day-night temperatures may remain unchanged across the country. However, rain and thunder showers accompanied by temporary gusty-squally winds are likely to occur in one or two places over Rangpur, Dhaka, Mymensingh, Chattogram, and Sylhet divisions, with hail at isolated places. Elsewhere in the country, the weather may remain mainly dry with a temporary partly cloudy sky.
The temperature in Dhaka has risen by over two degrees Celsius in the past week. Meteorologist Omar Faruk stated that the temperature in Dhaka at noon on Tuesday was recorded at 37.5 degrees Celsius.
"After a slight decrease in the last week of Ramadan, temperatures across Bangladesh crossed 36 degrees Celsius on Tuesday. This indicates that the mild heatwave has intensified in different parts of the country, and if it continues, the weather is likely to change," the official said.
Yesterday, the highest temperature was recorded in Rangamati at 40 degrees Celsius, 38.8°C in Chuadanga, 38.5°C in Rajshahi, and 39 degrees Celsius in Pabna.
Meanwhile, the UN warned on Thursday that massive heatwaves across East Asia and the Pacific could place millions of children at risk, calling for action to protect vulnerable people from soaring temperatures.
Global monitors have cautioned that 2024 is shaping up to be the hottest year on record, characterized by climate extremes and rising greenhouse gas emissions.
UNICEF data shows that over 243 million children across the Pacific and East Asia are estimated to be affected by heatwaves, putting them at risk of heat-related illnesses and death.
Several countries in the region are currently sweltering in the summer heat, with temperatures nearing record levels and regularly exceeding 40 degrees Celsius. Local forecasters predict steeper rises in the coming weeks.
According to the UNICEF report, children are more at risk than adults as they are less able to regulate their body temperature.
"Children are more vulnerable than adults to the effects of climate change, and excess heat is a potentially lethal threat to them," said Debora Comini, Director of UNICEF Regional Office for East Asia and the Pacific.
The report highlighted that heatwaves and high humidity levels, commonly experienced in the region, can have deadly effects as they "hinder the bodys natural cooling mechanisms."
