Bangladesh Extends Heatwave Alert as Severe Conditions Persist

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has extended a heatwave alert until April 30, 2024, as several districts continue to face severe to very severe heatwave conditions. Chuadanga district is experiencing a "very severe" heatwave, severe heatwave conditions.

According to the BMD, mild to moderate heatwaves are also affecting Dhaka and Barishal divisions, as well as parts of Rajshahi and Khulna divisions. The temperature may rise slightly across the country in the next 24 hours, and the ongoing discomfort may persist due to increased moisture incursion.

This year, Bangladesh has experienced its longest heatwave on record, with the country seeing 27 consecutive days of heatwaves in April, surpassing the previous record of 25 days set in 2014. Experts attribute the prolonged heatwave to climate change, with the capital Dhaka becoming increasingly difficult to live in during the summer due to declining greenery and water bodies.

Why this matters: The extreme temperatures have disrupted people's lives and livelihoods, especially for low-income groups, leading to the closure of schools and educational institutions for a week in the second week of April. The ongoing heatwave has also led to at least 31 heat-related deaths and an influx of patients in hospitals.

The BMD forecasts rain or thundershowers in the Chattogram and Sylhet divisions within the next 24 hours, with the possibility of hail in isolated places. The rest of the country is expected to remain mainly dry with temporary partly cloudy skies. The highest temperature recorded in the last 24 hours was 42.7 degrees Celsius in Chuadanga, while the lowest was 22.8 degrees Celsius in Sylhet.

The high electricity demand due to the heatwave has resulted in widespread load-shedding, particularly in rural areas. Meteorologists have also warned of heavy rainfall and thunderstorms from May 3-8, which may cause flooding and landslides in some regions. Residents in the affected areas are advised to take necessary precautions against the fluctuating weather conditions.

Key Takeaways

• Bangladesh extends heatwave alert until April 30, 2024, with severe conditions.
• Country experiences longest heatwave on record, attributed to climate change.
• Heatwave disrupts lives, leads to school closures and at least 31 heat-related deaths.
• High electricity demand causes widespread load-shedding, especially in rural areas.
• Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms expected from May 3-8, risking flooding and landslides.