Staff Correspondent

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) on Monday issued a heat alert as the prevailing heatwave across the country is likely to continue for the next 72 hours.

“Due to increasing moisture incursion, the discomfort may increase,” the BMD said in its alert message.

Earlier, the Met office issued a 72-hour heat alert starting on 19 April.

A mild to very severe heatwave is searing Bangladesh causing intense public suffering with children and elderly falling sick. Alongside, farmers have become worried about the production of crops and seasonal fruits.

Schools and colleges have already been shut, considering the health and safety of the students, while some universities have resorted to online platforms to keep their academic activities operational.

According to a regular bulletin issued by the Met office on Monday, a very severe heatwave is sweeping over Pabna and Chuadanga districts, while a severe heatwave is sweeping over the districts of Rajshahi, Tangail, Jashore, and Kushtia.

A mild to moderate heatwave is sweeping over Rangpur, Barishal, and Mymensingh divisions, and the rest of Dhaka, Rajshahi, and Khulna divisions, along with Chandpur district and Srimangal.

The prevailing condition may continue and no marked change is likely to happen in the next five days, the BMD said.

According to the Met office, the temperature ranging between 36 and 37.9 degrees Celsius is considered as a mild heatwave, and between 38 and 39.9 degrees Celsius is considered as a moderate heatwave.

The Met office defines temperatures of 40 to 41.9 degrees Celsius as a severe heatwave, while temperatures of 42 degrees Celsius and above as a very severe heatwave.