Bangladesh Braces for Prolonged Heatwave as Temperatures Soar
Bangladesh is currently in the grip of an intense heatwave, with temperatures in several districts crossing 40 degrees Celsius, prompting authorities to issue health warnings and advise the public to stay indoors. The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has extended its heat alert for at least another 72 hours, as the country experiences one of its most severe pre-monsoon heat spells in recent years.
According to the Met office, the highest temperature was recorded in the western district of Chuadanga at 42.7 degrees Celsius on Tuesday, while the capital Dhaka saw mercury levels hit 39 degrees Celsius. The heatwave has been classified as “severe” in parts of the Khulna, Rajshahi, and Dhaka divisions, with the weather bureau predicting little respite in the coming days.
“The current heatwave is unusual for this time of year,” said a senior meteorologist at the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, speaking on condition of anonymity. “We are seeing prolonged heat conditions due to a combination of high humidity and lack of cloud cover, which is typical of pre-monsoon weather but extended this season.”
The extreme heat has disrupted daily life across the country. Schools and colleges in heat-affected areas have been closed, with the education ministry advising that classes be suspended until further notice. Outdoor workers, including rickshaw pullers, construction laborers, and street vendors, are among the most vulnerable, with reports of heatstroke and dehydration rising at local hospitals.
In Dhaka’s Kamrangirchar area, a day laborer told reporters that working under the sun had become unbearable. “We have no choice but to work to feed our families, but the heat is making it impossible,” he said, wiping sweat from his brow. The government has set up cooling stations in several districts, providing water and oral saline to those in need.
The health ministry has issued a nationwide advisory, urging people to avoid direct sunlight between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., drink plenty of water, and wear light clothing. Hospitals are on high alert, with additional beds allocated for heat-related cases. The Department of Public Health Engineering has also warned that the heatwave could exacerbate water scarcity in rural areas, where groundwater levels have already dropped.
On the international front, the heatwave in Bangladesh is part of a broader pattern of extreme weather affecting South Asia. Neighboring India has also reported record temperatures in several states, with the Indian Meteorological Department warning of similar conditions across the region. Climate experts attribute these events to global warming, noting that the pre-monsoon season is becoming hotter and more erratic.
“Bangladesh is one of the most climate-vulnerable countries, and this heatwave is a stark reminder of the challenges ahead,” said a climate scientist at the International Centre for Climate Change and Development in Dhaka. “We need to invest in early warning systems and heat action plans to protect communities.”
The Bangladesh government has been working on long-term adaptation strategies, including planting more trees and promoting heat-resistant crops. However, immediate relief remains a priority. The Disaster Management Ministry has distributed emergency supplies in the worst-hit districts, while local NGOs are conducting awareness campaigns.
As the heatwave persists, meteorologists predict that monsoon rains may arrive slightly later than usual, possibly in the first week of June. Until then, the country is likely to endure more hot and humid days, with temperatures expected to remain above 35 degrees Celsius across most regions.
For now, the people of Bangladesh are doing their best to cope, staying indoors when possible and relying on fans, cool drinks, and community support. The situation remains fluid, and authorities continue to monitor conditions closely, ready to respond to any further deterioration.