Chuadanga sweats as mercury at record 42.7°C

Amid the boiling heat in different parts of the country, Chuadanga recorded the highest temperature of this season at 42.7 degrees Celsius on Friday, according to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) bulletin, reports UNB.

The Met Office reported that people were experiencing the blistering heat as a hot spell affected 45 districts to varying degrees of severity.

On Friday, a very severe heat wave swept through Chuadanga and Jashore districts, while a severe heat wave affected the rest of the Khulna division, as well as the districts of Tangail, Faridpur, Gopalgonj, Manikgonj, Rajshahi, Pabna, Dinajpur, and Nilphamari, according to the Met Office.

The Barishal division and the districts of Dhaka, Madaripur, Kishoregonj, Narsingdi, Bagura, Naogaon, Sirajgonj, Rangpur, Kurigram, Panchagarh, Mymensingh, Maulovibazar, Rangamati, Chandpur, Feni, and Bandarban experienced mild to moderate heatwaves on the day.

Jaminur Rahman, in-charge of Chuadanga Weather Observatory Centre, said they recorded 42.7 degrees Celsius Friday afternoon.

The situation may persist for a few more days, he added.

However, BMD forecasted rain or thundershowers in Chattogram and Sylhet divisions country in 24 hours commencing 9:00 am on Friday.

"Rain or thundershowers accompanied by temporary gusty or squally wind is likely to occur at one or two places over Chattogram and Sylhet divisions with hails at isolated places," said a Met Office bulletin.

The people of Chuadanga, especially the low-income people are in dire straits due to the continuous intense heat.

Working people were seen resting under trees and in shady places hoping for some relief.

Imran Sheikh, a resident of Courtpayara in Chuadanga, said: "We can't do anything due to the sweltering heat. In the afternoon, the sky turns gloomy and people expect rain but in the morning the extreme heat makes their life miserable."

Shahjalal, a tea vendor said: "The selling is low due to the hot temperature. People are passing their time sitting and lying on the benches."

Meanwhile, the number of patients suffering from various heat-related diseases is increasing at Chuadanga Sadar Hospital due to severe heat waves. More than 250 patients are admitted to different wards including diarrhoea and children's ward of Sadar Hospital.

Dr Waliar Rahman, health and family planning officer for Chuadanga Sadar upazila, advised the residents to stay indoors because of the risk of heatstroke.

He emphasised the importance of staying hydrated and consuming fruits as much as possible.