As Bangladesh grapples with an intense heatwave, Dhaka may experience its highest temperatures in decades today (April 29).

Meteorologist Mostofa Kamal Palash, a weather and climate researcher at the University of Saskatchewan in Canada, forecasts temperatures surpassing 40 degrees Celsius. Dhaka recorded its second-highest temperature (40.4°C) since 1960 on April 20.

In 1960, Dhaka reached a peak temperature of 42.3 degrees Celsius, marking a historical high.

The BBC Weather predicts a slightly lower temperature, estimating around 39 degrees Celsius for today, with a potential rise to 40 degrees Celsius from tomorrow.

Other regions, including Jashore, Chuadanga, Jhenaidah, Khulna, Rajshahi, Chapainawabganj, and Pabna, are anticipated to face temperatures ranging from 42 to 43 degrees Celsius, according to Mostofa Kamal Palash's blog.

The highest temperature ever recorded in Bangladesh was 45.1°C on May 15, 1972, in Rajshahi.

In response to the scorching conditions, schools, colleges, madrasas, and technical education institutions in Dhaka, Chuadanga, Jashore, Khulna, and Rajshahi districts were closed from Sunday (April 28) due to numerous reports of students falling ill in classes.

However, educational institutions with air conditioning systems may remain open at the discretion of the authorities.

To mitigate the effects of the heatwave, the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) and the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (ICDDR,b), have issued guidelines to prevent heat-related illnesses. These guidelines include avoiding sun exposure, staying hydrated, wearing light-colored clothing, and seeking medical attention if feeling unwell.