Temperatures are set to rise in Dhaka and other parts of Bangladesh today, with the trend expected to continue tomorrow, according to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD).
Meteorologist Md Tariful Newaz Kabir told The Daily Star that temperatures may increase slightly, by one to two degrees Celsius in specific areas, adding that Dhaka’s temperature could reach around 36°C today compared to 35.5°C recorded yesterday.
He said high humidity is making conditions feel hotter than the actual temperature. “High levels of moisture in the air prevent sweat from drying easily, which causes discomfort,” he explained.
Tariful Newaz noted that heatwave conditions may occur sporadically, but strong winds are currently preventing extreme heat build-up. He also said this year’s situation is less severe compared to last year, when Rajshahi experienced a prolonged heatwave of nearly three weeks.
The BMD’s long-term forecast for April had warned of two to four mild to moderate and one to two severe heatwaves during the month. It also indicated the possibility of one or two low-pressure systems forming over the Bay of Bengal, one of which could develop into a depression or cyclone later in the month.
On rainfall, Tariful Newaz said, “There is a possibility of very slight, scattered rainfall in one or two places today, tomorrow, and the day after. However, the amount of rainfall may increase around April 26–27.”
He added that a low-pressure system or cyclone may form toward the end of the month, but said it is too early to make specific predictions.
According to a 24-hour forecast starting from 9:00am today, some areas of Mymensingh and Sylhet divisions, along with one or two places of Dhaka, Rajshahi, Rangpur and Chattogram, may experience rain or thundershowers with gusty winds and lightning. Scattered hailstorms are also possible in places.
Elsewhere, the weather is expected to remain mainly dry with partly cloudy skies. Day and night temperatures may rise slightly across the country.
In the past 24 hours leading up to 6:00am today, the highest temperature was recorded at 36.5°C in Rangamati.
