Dhaka, Apr 22 (V7N): Bangladesh is experiencing unstable weather conditions at the beginning of the Bengali month of Boishakh, with a combination of rising heat and rainfall creating widespread disruption across the country.

According to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, a mild to moderate heatwave has been sweeping across several regions, including Rajshahi, Pabna, Sirajganj, Dhaka, Faridpur, Khulna, Jessore, Chuadanga, and Kushtia.

Meteorologist Tariful Newaz Kabir said the current heatwave may continue until Friday, after which rainfall activity is expected to increase from Saturday. He added that temperatures are likely to ease slightly as precipitation increases, noting that the current heat is still within a tolerable range compared to previous years.

The meteorological department classifies a heatwave as mild when temperatures range between 36–38°C, moderate between 38–40°C, severe between 40–42°C, and extreme above 42°C. On Tuesday, Dhaka recorded a maximum temperature of 36.2°C with hot and humid conditions throughout the day, while Rajshahi registered the highest temperature in the country at 38°C. The lowest temperature was recorded in Sylhet at 19°C.

Forecasts for Wednesday indicate that parts of Mymensingh and Sylhet divisions, along with isolated areas of Rangpur, Dhaka, and Chattogram, may experience rain or thundershowers accompanied by gusty winds and lightning. Hailstorms may also occur in some localized areas, while other regions are expected to remain partly cloudy and mostly dry.

Meanwhile, rising water levels in upstream areas have triggered concerns of early flooding in the haor wetlands. The Bangladesh Water Development Board reported that water levels in rivers such as the Surma, Kushiyara, and Baulai in Sunamganj are rising rapidly due to heavy rainfall upstream in India.

Officials warned that continued rainfall could lead to flooding in low-lying haor areas within days. The situation may worsen due to local rainfall, increasing the risk of waterlogging and crop damage.

The Water Development Board has urged farmers to harvest paddy urgently in areas where approximately 80 percent of the crop has matured. Executive Engineer Mamun Hossain Howlader said light to moderate rainfall is expected over the next two to three days, followed by the possibility of heavier downpours that could further complicate the situation.

An emergency meeting was held at the Ministry of Agriculture to address the emerging risks. Agriculture Minister Mohammad Amin Uddin Rashid directed authorities to ensure maximum coordination to protect the haor’s paddy fields from damage.

He instructed the rapid deployment of harvesters and laborers from nearby areas to expedite harvesting in fields ready for collection. The minister also assured that there would be no shortage of fuel for agricultural operations and stressed that all ripe crops must be harvested before floodwaters enter the haor regions.

Authorities continue to monitor the evolving weather conditions as both heatwave and rainfall risks persist across different parts of the country.

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