DINAJPUR, June 3: Residents of Dinajpur are enduring intense heat as temperature has climbed to 38.3 degree Celsius amid a prolonged dry spell in the Bengali month of Jyaishtha. The scorching sun, coupled with high humidity, has made daily life increasingly difficult across the district.
According to the Dinajpur Meteorological Observatory (Synoptic), the highest temperature recorded in the district was 38.3°C at 3 pm on Tuesday. A mild to moderate heatwave is currently sweeping over the area.
Tofazzal Hossain, Officer-In-Charge of the Dinajpur Weather Observatory, said the temperature reached 38.3°C at 3 pm, while relative humidity stood at 77 per cent at the same time.
"The high humidity is making the heat feel even more intense," he said, adding that the prevailing conditions are likely to continue until June 4, with no significant rainfall expected during this period.
The rising temperatures have caused considerable hardship, particularly for day-labourers, agricultural workers, rickshaw pullers and other outdoor workers. Many have reported falling ill after working under the blazing sun, while excessive sweating and discomfort have become commonplace.
Despite the use of electric fans, many residents say they are unable to find relief from the oppressive heat. Hospitals and healthcare facilities are also witnessing an increase in patient admissions linked to heat-related illnesses.
A visit to different markets, roads and public places in the district found noticeably fewer people outdoors, as many residents are choosing to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary.
Dr Bijoy Kumar Roy, Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer of Bochaganj, said the number of patients suffering from heat-related illnesses has increased significantly in recent days.
"Currently, between 40 and 50 patients visit the outpatient and emergency departments of the Upazila Health Complex every day with various heat-related conditions," he said.
According to him, cases of severe diarrhoea, gastroenteritis, respiratory infections, pneumonia, heat exhaustion and various skin diseases are on the rise.
"Many labourers are coming to the hospital with dehydration, weakness, dizziness and muscle cramps caused by excessive heat," he added.
Urging people to remain cautious, Dr Roy advised residents to drink adequate amounts of safe water even when they do not feel thirsty and to avoid working under direct sunlight between 11 am and 3 pm whenever possible.
Rickshaw puller Mojibur Rahman said working outdoors has become increasingly difficult due to the heat.
"Fewer people are coming out, so my income has also declined," he said.
Farmer Faruk Hossain said the weather has made it difficult to work in the fields.
Shahidul Islam, owner of Shahidul Pharmacy on Station Road in the district town, said sales of oral saline, fever medication and anti-diarrhoeal drugs have increased as temperatures continue to rise.
