Dhaka sizzles on hottest day in 58 years

Amid a week-long heatwave, people in different parts of the country are experiencing a sizzling heat with the mercury soaring to 40.4 degrees Celsius in Dhaka, making it the hottest day in the last 58 years, while the season's highest temperature of 42.2 degrees Celsius was recorded in Chuadanga.

People who work outdoors, especially day labourers, rickshaw pullers, and farmers are finding it challenging to continue working under the intense heat of the sun.

Bangladesh Metrological Department said the suffering of people is likely to continue for a few more days as the severe heatwave, which is sweeping through Khulna division and Dhaka, Fardipur, Manikganj, Rajshahi, Pabna and Patuakhali districts, will continue.

The highest temperature recorded in the capital yesterday was 40.4 degrees Celsius, Farman Ali, a meteorological assistant at the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, told The Daily Star.

Meteorologist Bazlur Rashid said Dhaka city experienced 42 degrees Celsius in 1965. Since then, the highest temperature recorded in the capital before yesterday was 40.2 degrees Celsius on April 14, 2014.

"Sky remains clear as clouds are not forming due to northerly wind coming from the north direction. So, the temperature in the daytime is increasing and night temperature falling," he said.

The situation will continue for a few more days, he added.

Asked, Ashraf Dewan, professor at the School of Earth & Planetary Sciences, Curtin University, Australia, who had research published on the cause of temperature rise in the urban area of Bangladesh, said, the main reasons for high temperature in in Dhaka this season are rapid land use change like loss of wetlands and tree felling.

Also, manifold use of air conditions and industrial activities, too many tall buildings preventing wind flow and trapping of heat by buildings, are some other reasons, he said.

People in different districts are facing immense suffering due to inclement weather.

In Sirajganj and Pabna, the ongoing heatwave is severely affecting people's lives. Those living in the shoal areas and embankments are in an even worse condition.

The water level of the Jamuna has significantly decreased. As a result, vast shoal areas have surfaced, said locals.

"The shoals are covered by sands. These areas become hotter than plainland due to the scorching sun. Survival is extremely difficult here," said Lukmihan Sardar, of Haat-Pachil village in Sirajganj's Shahzadpur upazila.

"My home was devoured in the Jamuna last year. My family and I have been living on the embankment ever since… We are passing days amid untold sufferings here," he added.

Asma Begum, homemaker of Bonnir Char in Sirajganj Sadar, said, "During the daytime, our tin-roof house turns into a hot oven. We are passing miserable lives."

Afsar Bhuian, a farmer in the area, said, "We cannot work in croplands for long because of the heat. It affects our daily income."

In Chuadanga, normal lives are being disrupted due to extreme heat too.

Abdul Alim, 45, a rickshaw-van puller in the area, said, "It is very difficult to pull a rickshaw-van in such weather. On top that, the number of passengers has significantly dropped as no one comes out of their homes unless it is an emergency."

Besides, corn, paddy, wheat and other crops are being affected by the intense heat, said farmers.

BE AWARE OF HEAT STROKES

Physicians advised people to avoid activities under direct sun for long to avert heat strokes.

"A heat stroke can be as serious as a brain stroke if left untreated. The aged and the younger people are vulnerable to heat stroke," said Mohammad Khalequzzaman, associate professor at the Department of Public Health and Informatics at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU).

"People who fast may suffer from dehydration as they avoid drinking during the daytime. They are usually more vulnerable to heat strokes."

The physician advised people to drink adequate water in sehri and iftar and consume fruits like watermelon to rehydrate.

[Our correspondent in Pabna and a correspondent in Chuadanga contributed to this report.]