Tangail, May 11 (V7N) – Tangail and surrounding districts are experiencing a severe heatwave, mirroring conditions in many other parts of the country. For several days, temperatures have consistently ranged between 39 and 40 degrees Celsius, causing immense suffering for the general population, particularly those who work outdoors, as well as children and the elderly.

According to the District Meteorological Office, the highest temperature recorded in Tangail over the past three days was a scorching 40.3 degrees Celsius. The prolonged heatwave is attributed to the lack of monsoon activity in the Bay of Bengal and the absence of rainfall. With no rain forecasted until at least May 13th, temperatures are expected to remain high, significantly impacting daily life. Hospitals are reporting an increasing number of patients suffering from heatstroke, dehydration, and high blood pressure.

Data from the Tangail Meteorological Department reveals the severity of the heat. On Sunday (May 11th) at 3 pm, the temperature reached 39.2 degrees Celsius. Saturday (May 10th) saw a peak of 40.3 degrees Celsius, while Friday (May 9th) recorded a high of 39 degrees Celsius.

Meteorologists explain that a mild to moderate heatwave is affecting the entire country. A summer high-pressure area currently over Dhaka, Rajshahi, Jessore, Kushtia, Tangail, and adjacent areas is intensifying the sun's radiation during the day, leading to fluctuating but consistently high temperatures.

The Meteorological Office further stated that the lack of monsoon activity and rainfall is prolonging the heat. Hot and dry winds blowing from the southwest are exacerbating the situation, and low humidity is making the heat feel even more oppressive. This heatwave is expected to persist in Tangail and other parts of the country for the next few days. While there is a possibility of light rain in some areas on or after May 13th, which might offer some relief, Tangail's temperature is likely to remain high with minor fluctuations until then.

On the ground, daily life in Tangail city and surrounding upazilas was severely disrupted on Sunday. Roads saw minimal pedestrian and vehicular traffic between 9 am and 4 pm. Those venturing out for essential tasks were seen using cloths or umbrellas for protection from the sun. Rickshaw pullers, daily wage earners, and other outdoor workers are bearing the brunt of the extreme heat.

Ariful Islam and Rashidul Hasan, daily wage laborers from Tangail Sadar Upazila, along with rickshaw pullers Rahim Mia and Sarful Islam, battery-powered autorickshaw drivers Nuruzzaman and Khairul Alam, and agricultural workers Jamil, Azgar Ali, and Nazmul Alam from Basail Upazila, all reported being unable to work after noon due to the intense heat. They described feeling exhausted and their clothes being constantly soaked in sweat. However, the necessity of earning a daily wage to feed their families forces them to continue working despite the harsh conditions.

Dr. Khairul Hasan, a doctor in the emergency department of Tangail General Hospital, confirmed the increasing trend of heat-related illnesses. He stated that an average of 30-40 patients are being admitted daily with heatstroke, dehydration, and high blood pressure. He emphasized that children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable during this extreme heatwave.

Dr. Hasan mentioned that the Department of Health has already issued guidelines to prevent heat-related illnesses, including drinking sufficient water, avoiding direct sunlight, wearing light cotton clothing, and taking extra care of children and the elderly.

Tangail Meteorological Department Senior Observer Md. Jamal Uddin reiterated that a mild to moderate heatwave is currently affecting the country and is likely to continue for the next 24-48 hours. He indicated a possibility of rain in some areas, particularly the northeast, after that period. However, he predicted that Tangail's temperature would likely remain high with some fluctuations until May 13th.