DHAKA.APR (V7N) -The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has forecasted mainly dry weather with a partly cloudy sky across the country for the next 24 hours, starting from 9 AM today. While most regions will remain dry, Sylhet division is expected to experience isolated rain or thunder showers, which could be accompanied by gusty winds and lightning. This weather pattern is typical of the transitional phase between the dry season and the upcoming monsoon.

Daytime temperatures across Bangladesh are expected to rise by 1-2°C over the next day, while nighttime temperatures may experience a slight increase as well. Despite the minor rise, the temperatures will still remain within the normal range for this time of year. On Saturday, the highest temperature of 35.8°C was recorded in Jashore, while Tetulia saw the lowest temperature of 18.4°C today, marking a slight contrast between the southern and northern regions.

For Dhaka, the sun will set at 6:19 PM today, with the sun rising at 5:39 AM tomorrow. These timings are typical for mid-April, with the day length gradually decreasing as the country progresses through the spring season. The forecast suggests a pleasant day overall, but locals should prepare for a potential shift in weather with scattered showers, especially in the northeastern parts of the country.

On Wednesday morning, Dhaka was ranked as the 10th most polluted city in the world, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 153 recorded at 10:48 AM. This places Dhaka in the ‘unhealthy’ category, which poses potential health risks, particularly to sensitive individuals such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing respiratory or heart conditions.

Other major cities around the world are also facing severe air quality issues. Chiang Mai (Thailand), Baghdad (Iraq), and Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) top the AQI list with readings of 206, 201, and 191, respectively. These cities, like Dhaka, are experiencing high pollution levels, which can cause significant health concerns for the general public and are often linked to industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, and climatic conditions.

Exposure to poor air quality can lead to a variety of health problems, particularly for those with compromised lung function or cardiovascular health. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that air pollution is responsible for about seven million deaths annually, with the majority of deaths attributed to stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and acute respiratory infections.

The AQI in Dhaka is calculated based on five major pollutants: Particulate Matter (PM10 and PM2.5), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Sulfur Dioxide (SO2), and Ozone (O3). These pollutants come from various sources, including vehicle emissions, industrial activities, and natural factors such as dust storms. The increasing levels of these pollutants during the winter months exacerbate health risks and make it difficult for the air quality to improve without effective measures.

Given the current AQI and the potential for further deterioration, residents are advised to limit outdoor activities, especially those involving physical exertion. Sensitive groups, including individuals with asthma or heart conditions, should stay indoors to avoid the harmful effects of polluted air. General precautions like wearing masks, keeping windows closed, and using air purifiers can also help mitigate exposure to toxic pollutants.

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