Mercury rises to 40°C as heat wave sweeps over Bangladesh

Bangladesh’s maximum temperature rose 40°C on Monday as heatwave continues to sweep over the country.

The highest temperature in the country was recorded in Jessore, said a Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) press release on Tuesday.

On Monday, Dhaka recorded a maximum temperature of 36.9°C while Rajshahi recorded 39.5°C, Khulna and Chuadanga recorded 39°C, Mongla recorded 38.7°C, Ishwardi recorded 38.5°C and Tangali recorded 38.1°C.

If the mercury in the thermometer rises to 36°C to 38°C, meteorologists call it a mild heat flux. When the temperature rises to 36°C to 40°C, it is called moderate heat flow. And if the temperature exceeds 40°C, the meteorological office considers it as an intense heat wave.

Previously, in the hot season of 2018, the maximum temperature in Rajshahi rose to 40°C on June 15.

According to the forecast, mild to moderate heatwave is sweeping over Dhaka, Rajshahi & Khulna divisions and the region of Patuakhali and it may continue.

However, rain or thundershowers accompanied by temporary gusty or squally wind is likely to occur at one or two places over Sylhet division and weather may remain mainly dry with temporary partly cloudy sky elsewhere over the country.

Day and night temperature may rise slightly over the country.

Tuesday’s minimum temperature 20.5°C was recorded in Rajarhat, Rangpur.

The highest rainfall in the last 24 hours as of 6am on Tuesday was recorded 9mm in Sylhet.

The sun sets at 6:22pm on Tuesday and rises at 5:33am on Wednesday in Dhaka.