DHAKA, Apr 05 (V7N)– A heat wave is currently affecting seven districts across Bangladesh, including Rajshahi, and is expected to persist, according to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department. The agency has also indicated that daytime temperatures are likely to increase further.

"The heat wave is sweeping across seven districts of the country and is expected to continue, the Meteorological Department said. The agency also said that the temperature may increase during the day," a weather advisory stated.

The affected districts, as of Saturday, include Rajshahi, Pabna, Sirajganj, Khulna, Bagerhat, Patuakhali, and Rangamati, where a mild heat wave is prevailing.

"It said that a mild heat wave is blowing over Rajshahi, Pabna, Sirajganj, Khulna, Bagerhat, Patuakhali and Rangamati districts today and it may continue," the Meteorological Department reported in its 5-day forecast issued at 9 AM local time on Saturday.

The forecast suggests a slight increase in daytime temperatures nationwide today, with night temperatures remaining relatively stable.

"The day temperature across the country may increase slightly and the night temperature may remain almost unchanged," the forecast indicated.

Looking ahead, a slight decrease in daytime temperatures is possible on Sunday, while night temperatures are expected to remain consistent. Monday's forecast suggests little change in daytime temperatures across the country, with a potential slight dip in night temperatures. The Meteorological Department anticipates mainly dry conditions with partly cloudy skies for Tuesday and Wednesday, with temperatures remaining largely unchanged.

"Tomorrow, Sunday, the day temperature may decrease slightly and the night temperature may remain almost unchanged. The next day, Monday, the day temperature across the country may remain almost unchanged and the night temperature may decrease slightly. In addition, the Meteorological Office has also said that the day and night temperature across the country may remain almost unchanged on Tuesday and Wednesday," the forecast detailed.

While most of the country is expected to remain dry, there is a chance of temporary gusty winds and lightning, possibly accompanied by rain or thundershowers, in Dhaka, Mymensingh, Chittagong, and Sylhet divisions on Saturday. Similar conditions are forecast for Mymensingh and Sylhet divisions on Sunday, and Sylhet division on Monday.

"The forecast for rain has said that temporary gusty winds and lightning will occur at one or two places in Dhaka, Mymensingh, Chittagong and Sylhet divisions on Saturday... The following day, Sunday, there will be temporary gusty winds and lightning at one or two places in Mymensingh and Sylhet divisions... In addition, temporary gusty winds and lightning are expected in one or two places in Sylhet division on Monday," the weather report stated.

Residents in the affected areas are advised to take precautions against the heat, including staying hydrated and avoiding strenuous outdoor activities during peak hours.

END/RAR/RH/