Heat wave to continue

A mild heat wave which is sweeping the country is likely to continue for another few days, Met office forecasts. The Dhaka Met office in a forecast said that due to the mild heat wave blowing across the country, the mercury jumped to 39.6 degrees Celsius in Rajshahi on Saturday while Dhaka’s temperature was recorded at 37.5 degrees Celsius. It said that mild to moderate heat wave was sweeping over Dhaka, Rajshahi, Khulna and Barisal divisions and over the regions of Rangamati, Srimongal and Dinajpur, and it may continue. The Met office in its three-month climate forecast said that an extreme heat wave (over 40 degrees Celsius) may sweep over the country's northern and north-western regions next month (April). Two or three mild heat waves (36-38 degrees Celsius) and a moderate heat wave (38-40 degrees Celsius) may sweep in other parts of the country during the period. Hundreds of people including many children have fallen sick from the heat wave that has been sweeping across the country over the last few days. In view of this weather condition, physicians have suggested that balanced diet should be taken apart from adequate intake of fluid to prevent different summer diseases. Meanwhile, the prices of 'hand fans' have increased recently although production and supply of the traditional tool made of palm leaves to beat the heat is sufficient, according to bdnews24.com and a news agency.