Rajshahi, May 11 (V7N) – Rajshahi is currently experiencing a severe heatwave, with temperatures reaching the highest point of the season. The intense heat, likened to the wrathful form of Rudra in the Bengali month of Boishakh, has been relentless since Saturday morning, turning the region into a furnace.

Like other parts of the country, Rajshahi and Chuadanga districts are bearing the brunt of this intense heat, while mild to moderate heatwave conditions persist elsewhere. The populace desperately awaits rain and a cooling breeze, with even afternoon clouds offering no respite.

Over the past few days, Rajshahi's maximum average temperature has fluctuated between 38 and 40 degrees Celsius. However, on Saturday (May 10th), the mercury soared past 40 degrees Celsius, peaking at 40.7 degrees Celsius at 3 pm – the highest recorded temperature this season. Friday's high was also a significant 40 degrees Celsius.

This scorching heat has severely disrupted daily life, bringing work to a near standstill. The unbearable sun and heat persist even into the night, with stagnant air offering no relief. Coupled with severe power outages (load shedding), public life in Rajshahi has become increasingly difficult.

Shahin, a rickshaw puller from Rajshahi city, described the near impossibility of working for extended periods in such heat, with both the sun and the asphalt roads radiating intense heat.

The severe heatwave has also led to a surge in heat-related illnesses at Rajshahi Medical College Hospital, including a significant increase in diarrhea cases. The children's wards are reportedly overwhelmed. Furthermore, individuals with high blood pressure are experiencing heightened distress. Health officials are strongly advising the elderly and children to remain indoors in cool environments and avoid sun exposure.

Rahidul Islam, the officer-in-charge of the Rajshahi Meteorological Observatory, confirmed the steady rise in temperature over the past few days, stating that relief is unlikely without rain.

According to the Meteorological Department's forecast issued at 9 am on Saturday (May 10th), the weather across the country is expected to remain mainly dry with partly cloudy skies. Day and night temperatures are predicted to remain largely unchanged.

An intense heatwave continues to grip Rajshahi and Chuadanga. Additionally, mild to moderate heatwaves are affecting Dhaka, Mymensingh, Chittagong, and Barisal divisions, as well as the remaining parts of Rajshahi and Khulna divisions, and the districts of Rangpur, Dinajpur, Kurigram, and Moulvibazar. These conditions are expected to persist for a few more days.

The forecast for Sunday indicated a possibility of rain or thunderstorms with gusty winds in parts of Rangpur, Rajshahi, Dhaka, Mymensingh, and Sylhet divisions, with dry weather expected in other areas. Nighttime temperatures may see a slight increase.

However, the Meteorological Office anticipates a slight increase in the chance of rain from Monday. Mymensingh and Sylhet divisions may experience rain or thundershowers with gusty winds in some places, with isolated occurrences in other divisions. This is expected to bring a decrease of 1-3 degrees Celsius in daytime temperatures and 1-2 degrees Celsius in nighttime temperatures, potentially offering some respite from the heatwave.

This trend is expected to continue on Tuesday and Wednesday, with a possibility of rain or thunderstorms in various parts of the country, although most areas will likely remain dry. Daytime temperatures may decrease slightly from mid-week, while nighttime temperatures are expected to remain unchanged or decrease slightly.

END/RAR/RH