Photo : Collected
A severe heatwave is sweeping across numerous districts of the country, subjecting people to grueling conditions of extreme heat. Despite a slight decrease in temperature, the oppressive discomfort persists, exacerbated by high levels of humidity in the air. Regrettably, there seems to be no immediate relief from this challenging situation. According to the Meteorological Department, the ongoing heatwave is expected to persist for the next few days.
The highest temperature (42.2 degrees Celsius) in the country was recorded in Chuadanga on Sunday. However, it is 0.4 degrees Celsius less than Saturday. The temperature of the capital Dhaka was also slightly lower yesterday. Meteorologist Md Shahinul Islam told The Daily Messenger that due to the wind, the temperature has decreased slightly. But the heatwave is unlikely to subside. The ongoing heatwave will continue for the next few days.
The meteorologist said that the highest temperature recorded in Chuadanga was 42.2 degrees Celsius on Sunday. The previous day it had recorded 42.6 degrees Celsius. And Dhaka recorded a temperature of 38.2 degrees Celsius, which was 40.4 degrees Celsius on Saturday.
According to the latest reports from the Meteorological Office, extremely intense heatwaves are currently affecting Pabna, Jashore, and Chuadanga districts. Additionally, an intense heatwave is impacting the remainder of the Khulna division, as well as Rajshahi and Dhaka divisions. Mild to moderate heatwaves are prevailing over other areas, including parts of Barisal and Rajshahi divisions, such as Mymensingh, Moulvibazar, Feni, Cox's Bazar, Chandpur, and Rangamati districts, and are expected to persist.
In the next 24 hours, temperatures in the Rangpur division are forecasted to rise by 1 to 2 degrees Celsius, while temperatures in other regions are expected to remain relatively stable. Nighttime temperatures are anticipated to remain largely unchanged across the country. The presence of excess water vapor in the air may contribute to discomfort for residents.
Additionally, the weather forecast indicates the possibility of rain/thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds in Mymensingh, Sylhet, and Chittagong divisions over the next 24 hours. In some areas, scattered rain accompanied by hail may occur. Conversely, other regions of the country are expected to experience mainly dry weather with partly cloudy skies.
Meanwhile, the government has announced the closure of various educational institutions in the country due to severe heatwave. However, many institutions in the capital Dhaka have started taking classes online to meet the deficit. Besides schools and colleges, many public and private universities have also announced to take classes and exams online.
Dhaka University and Jagannath University have announced to take classes online on Sunday. Several other universities, including the private North South University and the University of Asia Pacific, have also made similar announcements. Heads of several schools and colleges in the capital said that they have informed the students about taking classes online.
Professor Syed Zafar Ali, Director of the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education said that the government has announced closure of educational institutions for five days. There is no restriction if anyone takes classes online. The new curriculum is being taught in almost all classes in the current academic year.
The government has also ordered the closure of private educational institutions (English medium schools) under the jurisdiction of the Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board Dhaka. These educational institutions have been ordered to be closed to avoid health risks due to intense heat. This information was informed in a letter signed by Professor Mohammad Abul Mansur Bhuiyan, school inspector of Dhaka Education Board on Sunday.
Meanwhile, working people across the country are suffering due to intense heatwave. Due to the increase in humidity in the air, there is discomfort in public life. Working people have to work under intense sun in order to earn a living. Not only rickshaw pullers, people from various professions including van drivers, hawkers, riders, pedestrians are suffering from the intense heat.
Messenger/Fameema
