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Dhaka on Saturday recorded the highest temperature in the last nine years forcing the city dwellers to suffer intensely, especially those who need to go outdoors amid the searing heat.
The capital of Bangladesh recorded 40.4 degrees Celsius at 3pm, Hafizur Rahman, a meteorologist at Bangladesh Meteorological Department, told The Business Post. The rising trend of temperature in the city may continue for two more days, he said.
After experiencing almost two weeks of heatwaves during the dry month of Chaitra, Dhaka recorded its second-highest temperature of 40.2 degrees Celsius on the Pahela Baishakh (the first day of Bangla New Year).
On April 24, 2014, the temperature in the capital had reached a five-decade high of 40.2 degrees Celsius, surpassing the previous record of 39.6 degrees Celsius on April 27, 2009, according to the Met office.
In April 1960, the mercury rose to 42.3 degrees Celsius in Dhaka.
“Rain is likely to occur in the country’s north-eastern region on April 19 or 20,” Hafizur added.
Bangladesh’s temperature higher than desert countries
Although Middle Eastern countries feel intense heat usually, the surprising thing is that the temperature of Bangladesh currently is higher than those of desert countries like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
According to weather.com, which publishes updated information about global weather conditions, the temperature in Dhaka was 40 degrees Celsius at 3:30pm on Saturday. However, desert countries were much “cooler” in comparison.
The temperature in Saudi Arabia’s capital Riyadh was 25 degrees Celsius on Saturday while the temperature in the holy cities of Makkah and Madina was 34 and 30 degrees Celsius respectively. And in Dubai, it was 27 degrees Celsius.
People advised to remain indoors
The maximum temperature in the country was recorded at 42.2 degrees Celsius in Chuadanga at 3pm on Saturday, said Rakibul Hasan, senior observer of Chuadanga First Class Weather Observatory.
The district recorded the highest temperature in the country for the 14th consecutive day today, he said.
The temperature is expected to rise for the next three to four days and the lack of rainfall has begun to have an impact on biodiversity.
The ongoing heatwave has impacted the lives of people. The high temperature is causing problems for children and the elderly. Day labourers, rickshaw pullers, and van drivers are not able to work, due to the intense heat.
Babul Masum and Liaquat, van drivers in the district, said they could not go to work properly due to the extreme heat in the last one week.
The income has dropped. Previously, it was possible to earn Tk 400 to Tk 500 a day. Now it is difficult to earn even Tk 200 due to the extreme heat, they said.
The number of paediatric patients in the hospital is increasing every day. The residents of the district are in a state of panic due to the scorching heat.
Rumi Khatun of Shantipara in the Chuadanga municipal area said, “My three children have been suffering from fever, cold and cough for the last few days. I do not know when it will rain.”
Every day 70-80 patients are admitted to Chuadanga Sadar Hospital. Resident Medical Officer of Sadar Hospital Fateh Akram said most of the patients who came to the hospital for treatment were suffering from heat-related diseases.
Chuadanga Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Aminul Islam Khan said, “The district administration is alerting the people using loud mics at all places. They should not leave the house unless absolutely necessary. It is advisable to eat more sorbet, water and fruit in the evening.
“The Sadar Hospital authorities have been instructed to make special arrangements for the treatment of heat-related patients including stroke and diarrhoea,” he said.
Rain will not be easily seen, as this summer is different. The humidity in the air is lower than normal. As soon as the sun rises, it is giving intense heat. As the day progressed, the sun became a flame of fire. Especially in the afternoon, it is difficult to get out, said Rakibul.
After a mild, moderate and severe heatwave, a very severe heatwave has started in the district. In the heat, the mango bunch and the rice seeds are falling. All kinds of cultivation, including vegetable fields, are likely to be disrupted.
According to the Department of Agricultural Extension, Boro rice and mango seeds are drying up due to the intense heat. Agriculture officials advised to spray water on mango trees and irrigate all types of vegetable fields, including Boro rice, every day and retain irrigation water.
Bibhas Chandra Saha, deputy director of the Department of Agricultural Extension, said, “The crops are being damaged due to the extreme heat. Our department officials are constantly advising farmers on what to do in the heat.”
