Temp feared to hit 45°C by 29 April as Bangladesh boils under heatwave

Amid 31 deaths and an influx of heat-related illnesses from the ongoing scorcher across the country, meteorologists have warned the heatwave to intensify further in the coming days with temperatures feared to reach 45 degrees Celsius on 29 April. 

They said the current heatwave will persist until 29 April before a slight temperature decrease over two days, with a chance of rain across the country starting from 3 May.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) on Thursday (25 April) extended "heat alert", saying that the ongoing heatwave over the country could continue for the next 72 hours.

The highest temperature in the country  on the day was recorded in Mongla at 41.6 degrees Celsius. BMD data shows the highest temperature ever recorded in Bangladesh was 45.1 degrees in Khulna in 1972.

Mostofa Kamal Palash, weather and climate researcher at the University of Saskatchewan in Canada, told TBS that the highest daytime temperature in Khulna and Rajshahi divisions of Bangladesh is likely to reach 45 degrees by 29 April as per European weather model. 

"The highest temperature in Dhaka city is likely to exceed 40 degrees Celsius on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday," he added.

Meteorologist Palash said due to a strong westerly low pressure, nor'easter, heavy thunderstorms and hailstorms are expected to cross over most districts of Bangladesh from 3-8 May. The low pressure, which now lies over Iran, is expected to reach Bangladesh crossing Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India by 3 April.

He forecasted heavy rainfall ranging from 300mm-400mm in certain areas from 3-8 May. These areas include Sunamganj and Sylhet districts.

He warned the excess rainwater is likely to flow into the rivers of Sylhet division and affect the haor areas. Besides, starting from 5 May, landslides may occur.

Besides, Chattogram division is expected to get 100mm-150 mm of rainfall, while Barishal, Dhaka, and Mymensingh divisions may experience 50mm-100mm of rainfall during the period. 

BMD Meteorologist Md Bazlur Rashid, however, told the media that parts of Sylhet and Chattogram may see some rain from the start of next month.

Hospitals in pressure

At least 31 people have died of suspected heatstroke in different parts of the country this season so far, according to data compiled by TBS based on media reports.

The unprecedented heatwave is forcing healthcare facilities to implement emergency protocols to offer medical assistance to individuals suffering from heat-related illnesses.

In hospitals across the country since the first week of April, patients with heat-related health complications are visiting doctors to take treatment and some of them have been admitted with critical illness caused by severe heatwave.

AKM Tariful Islam Khan, spokesperson of the Icddr,b, said, "Nearly, 500 diarrhoea patients have been admitted to the hospital. A significant number of patients are getting admitted here daily."

Load-shedding continues

As the heat intensifies across the country, the need for electricity is rising. Despite increased production, the power producers distributors struggle to avoid load shedding, which continues to worsen.

The Power Grid Company of Bangladesh (PGCB) is the sole state agency responsible for transmitting electricity from power stations to the national grid. 

According to PGCB's data, at 1am Thursday, the country's electricity demand reached 15,850MW, while generation stood at 14,307MW, leaving a gap of 1,474MW. Load shedding was 1,468MW at the same time the previous day. 

Bangladesh generated a record electricity production of 16,233MW on Monday. However, load shedding has increased across the country, particularly in rural areas, amid an intense heatwave.

The Rural Electrification Board (REB), the primary distributor covering over 80% of rural areas, faced significant load shedding too. At 3pm Thursday, the REB had a demand of 8,891 MW, with only 7,305 MW supplied. 

Mymensingh experienced the most load shedding among REB's areas, with 529MW load-shedding, accounting for 43% of its demand. 

Other divisions facing load shedding include Chattogram (133MW), Dhaka (514MW), Cumilla (191MW), Rajshahi (35MW), Khulna (27MW), and Rangpur (157MW). Barishal and Sylhet managed to meet the demand without any load shedding.