Rajshahi, Mar 29 (V7N)– Rajshahi and surrounding areas are experiencing a severe heat wave, disrupting daily life and causing significant hardship, particularly for Eid travelers and daily wage workers.

"Moderate heat wave is sweeping over Rajshahi. The intense heat and heat of the sun The normal activities of public life are being disrupted. This is having a huge impact on the lives of people returning home for Eid and daily wage workers. They are spending their days ignoring the scorching sun and heat," a local resident reported.

The region is among several in Bangladesh experiencing prolonged and intensifying heat, with the Meteorological Department forecasting further spread.

"It is known that the country has been hit by heat waves several times this year. The intensity of the heat is increasing, and its effects are spreading over a wide area. Currently, the heat wave is sweeping over 15 districts of the country, including the capital Dhaka, and the Meteorological Department has predicted that it may spread further. The heat wave, which began in 13 districts on Thursday, spread to two more districts on Friday. Chuadanga recorded the highest temperature of 39.8 degrees Celsius, while Rajshahi recorded 39.7 degrees Celsius," a meteorological report confirmed.

On Friday, Rajshahi recorded a high of 37.6 degrees Celsius, contributing to the growing discomfort among residents.

"According to the Meteorological Office, a moderate heat wave is blowing in these areas. On Friday, the country's highest temperature was recorded at 37.6 degrees Celsius in Jessore and Rajshahi and 36 degrees Celsius in Dhaka," a weather analyst stated.

Saturday morning saw a low of 19.6 degrees Celsius, with temperatures expected to rise throughout the day.

"Rajshahi office meteorologist Anwar Khatun said that the lowest temperature recorded in Rajshahi on Saturday morning was 19.6 degrees Celsius and the highest temperature recorded in the afternoon was 36.4 degrees Celsius. The meteorologist said that the temperature is expected to rise further throughout the day," a local meteorologist confirmed.

Eid travelers and daily wage earners are particularly affected by the extreme conditions.

"Milon, a mason who came from Dhaka on the occasion of Eid, said, 'We are going from Dhaka to Chapainawabganj. The road is very hot. It has also started to get very hot in Dhaka. This has caused great hardship to workers like us.' Abdus Salam, a rickshaw puller in Rajshahi metropolis, said, 'It has been very sunny and hot for the last 4-5 days. We are having a lot of trouble due to this. We are also getting less fare. It is not possible to drive rickshaws for long due to the sun and heat,'" local resident reports detailed.

While a slight easing of the heat wave is expected on Sunday, the overall hot conditions are predicted to persist.

"Meteorologist Md. Shahinul Islam said the heat wave will continue and may ease slightly on Sunday, but it will not end completely. Daytime temperatures may remain almost unchanged, with a slight increase in night temperatures," a weather forecast indicated.

The Meteorological Department has issued warnings for several districts, including Rajshahi, where a mild to moderate heat wave is expected to continue and potentially intensify.

"According to the weather forecast for Saturday, a mild heat wave is sweeping over eight districts of Dhaka, Faridpur, Rajshahi, Pabna, Sirajganj, Lakshmipur, Feni and Khulna divisions. It is likely to continue and spread further. In addition, the day temperature may increase slightly across the country, the Meteorological Department said," a departmental advisory confirmed.

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