The ongoing heatwaves scorching Bangladesh are anticipated to persist for the next three days, as per the Bangladesh Meteorological Department.
Meteorologist Bazlur Rashid stated that while temperatures might slightly abate on Monday, akin to Sunday's respite, they're likely to surge again from Tuesday.
"Cloud cover might momentarily temper the temperature, but it's expected to climb again starting tomorrow. Some light showers are possible in Sylhet, Mymensingh, and Chattogram, but prospects for rain elsewhere are minimal."
Rashid noted that the current heatwave could endure for another 72 hours, attributing potential discomfort to heightened moisture levels in the air. He hinted at substantial rainfall in about a week, offering some relief.
Saturday saw record-breaking temperatures, with Jashore hitting 42.6 degrees Celsius, followed by 42.4 degrees Celsius in Chuadanga and 40.4 degrees Celsius in Dhaka.
Although Sunday witnessed a slight abatement in heat, it pervaded across 51 districts, with Chuadanga topping at 42.2 degrees Celsius and Dhaka at 38.2 degrees Celsius.
The BMD's Sunday bulletin highlighted very severe heatwaves in Pabna and Chuadanga, while Rajshahi, Tangail, Jashore, and Kushtia experienced severe conditions.
Dhaka, Rajshahi, and Khulna divisions, alongside Moulvibazar and Chandpur, witnessed mild to moderate heatwaves, as did parts of Rangpur, Mymensingh, and Barishal divisions.
While daytime temperatures may marginally decrease, nighttime temperatures are expected to remain unchanged.
Meteorologists classify temperatures ranging from 36 to 38 degrees Celsius as indicative of a light heatwave, 38-40 degrees Celsius as moderate, and above 40 degrees Celsius as severe.
Bangladesh has been grappling with heatwaves since early April, escalating to very severe levels by Saturday.
To mitigate risks, the government has temporarily shuttered schools and colleges for seven days, with many universities transitioning to online learning.
Tragically, fatalities have been reported due to heat-related illnesses, with three deaths on Sunday in Meherpur, Sylhet, and Narsingdi, and two more on Saturday in Pabna city and Gazipur’s Konabari.
The 24-hour forecast from 9am on Monday suggests potential gusts or stormy winds in parts of Mymensingh, Sylhet, and Chattogram divisions, accompanied by rain, thunder, or possibly hail. The rest of the country is expected to experience predominantly dry weather with partly cloudy skies. Temperature rises are anticipated on Tuesday and Wednesday.
