Bangladesh swelters under heat grip as temperatures soar over 108F

DHAKA, Bangladesh — A severe heatwave has been sweeping over many parts of the country for the last few days. The temperature soared to 42.6C (108.68F) on Saturday in Jessore, while the maximum temperature in Dhaka was 40.4C. The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) warned that the heat had no end in sight.

According to the BMD, a severe heatwave is sweeping over the Pabna, Jessore, Chuadanga, Dhaka, and Khulna divisions, and the district of Rajshahi.

A mild to moderate heatwave will prevail over Barisal division and parts of Rajshahi divisions and Mymensingh, Moulvibazar, Feni, Cox’s Bazar, Chandpur, and Rangamati and it may continue over the next three days.

Scientists have said climate change contributes to more frequent, severe, and longer heatwaves in Bangladesh during summer.

Apart from causing heat stokes due to exposure to heat waves, germs like bacteria and viruses can spread amid extreme heat, affecting humans.

"People dwelling in city heat islands are feeling more heat, so they should remain careful and drink enough water to avoid heat strokes," said Dr Iqbal Kabir, director of the Climate Change and Health Promotion Unit under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

He predicted that the cases of pneumonia and influenza may increase in the country due to high temperatures.

Citing findings of a study, he said heat waves severely hit the livestock sector, contributing to the decline of milk production and making cattle ill.

As water bodies and greenery coverage have been declining in the country, the heat in summer months is increasing, he said, adding that heatwave also contributes to the decline of dissolved oxygen in water, affecting aquatic species.

Predicting that the heatwave may delay rainfall in the upcoming monsoon, affecting agriculture, Dr Iqbal Kabir said fever and water-borne diseases like diarrhea, hepatitis, and typhoid may spread due to the heatwave.