Heatwave may spread, continue in Rajshahi

The moderate heatwave that is sweeping over Rajshahi district is likely to continue and spread, said local meteorological office in its forecast.

According to local met office, Rajshahi recorded 38.4 degree Celsius temperature today, which was 40.3 degree Celsius at 3:00pm yesterday.

Meteorologists consider the 36-38 degrees Celsius threshold a mild heatwave and 38-40 degrees Celsius a moderate heatwave. Temperatures beyond 40 degrees Celsius are categorised as severe heatwaves.

This summer, the highest temperature in Rajshahi went up to 42.6 degree Celsius on April 17. The temperatures stayed around 42 degrees until 35.5mm of rainfall occurred on April 24.

In next 10 days, the city received a total 27.5mm of rainfall in three days, and the temperature remained within 35 degrees.

Due to lack of rains, the temperature jumped to 36.7 degree on Saturday and continued rising, our Rajshahi staff correspondent reports.

The rising heatwave has made life unbearable for people, especially for daily wage earners, who have to toil hard under the sun for their living.

There is no relief at home either. The midday wind is so hot that, inside home, it feels like living inside a oven, said netizens there.

The scorching heat is also disrupting the public life. As the day progresses, movement of people in the city decreases considerably as they try to avoid the blistering heat.

The office of Rajshahi Civil Surgeon instructed the people to take precautions to protect themselves from the heat and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, reports our correspondent.