More May heatwaves, cyclone feared

Schools reopen on May 4

FE Team | Published: May 02, 2024 23:55:06

After an arid and exhausting April, the Bangladesh Meteorological Department is forecasting more heatwaves, along with Kalboishakhi storms, in May, reports bdnews24.com.
The second half of the current month may see a low pressure system in the Bay of Bengal that could develop into a cyclone, the BMD said in its long-term forecast for May on Thursday.
The forecast comes at a time when the education ministry has decided that all secondary-level educational institutions will resume academic activities on May 4. The ministry issued a press release to this effect on Thursday.
Earlier on April 20, the education ministry in consultation with the health ministry and meteorological department decided to keep secondary schools closed due to the ongoing heatwave.
Bangladesh was scorched by a persistent heatwave throughout the month of April. Mild to moderate heatwaves began in different parts of the country from Apr 1 to Apr 19 and severe to very severe heatwaves developed from Apr 20 to Apr 30.
Nor'westers were seen in different parts of the country on 16 different days. Stormy winds reaching a high of 89 kmph were recorded in Sylhet on Apr 27 and in Sreemangal on Apr 28.
BMD Director Azizur Rahman said, the maximum temperature for April was 3.2 degrees Celsius above the average, while the minimum temperature was 2.8 degrees Celsius higher. The average temperature was 3 degrees Celsius above the average.
Some parts of the country may experience one to three moderate heatwaves, while others will see one to two heatwaves, said BMD Director Azizur.