Rajshahi sizzles at 40°C, commoners’ lives out of gear

RAJSHAHI, Apr 22: Rajshahi has been experiencing an intense heatwave, bringing normal life across the district to a near standstill. Mercury rose to 40 degrees Celsius on Wednesday, as prolonged dry conditions, strong solar radiation and fluctuating humidity levels combined to create severe discomfort for residents, particularly low-income and outdoor workers.
According to the Rajshahi Meteorological Office, temperatures have been rising steadily since April 20.
On Tuesday, the maximum temperature was recorded at 39.5°C, which further climbed to 40°C the following day. The minimum temperature stood at 27.5°C.
Meteorologists attribute the worsening conditions to the absence of rainfall and declining soil moisture, which are intensifying the impact of the heat.
Rajshahi College student Nusrat Jahan said attending classes during the afternoon has become challenging. "Going to campus in the heat causes headaches and reduces concentration. Sometimes I have to return home without completing classes," she said.
Meanwhile, frequent power outages have further aggravated the situation. Residents say load shedding is making indoor conditions unbearable as fans and cooling systems frequently stop working. Students preparing
for SSC examinations are particularly affected, as study routines are being disrupted by both heat and electricity shortages.
A student from Paba Upazila, Rajia Sultana, said power interruptions are severely affecting her preparation. "Whenever I sit to study, electricity goes off. It becomes very difficult to concentrate in such heat, and without light I cannot continue studying. My preparation is being seriously affected," she said.
The extreme weather has hit rickshaw pullers, day labourers and other daily wage earners hard. They are struggling to continue work under the scorching sun. Streets in the city remain noticeably less crowded during peak daytime hours, as residents avoid outdoor movement unless absolutely necessary.
Rickshawpuller Shahjahan from Lakshmipur said continuous work in such heat has become extremely difficult. "As soon as I start pulling the rickshaw, I feel weak and dizzy. I have to take frequent breaks under shade. Passenger numbers have also dropped, which has reduced my income significantly. It is becoming very difficult to manage household expenses," he said.
Another rickshaw puller, Abdul Karim, said the situation has worsened in recent days. "The midday heat is unbearable. Sometimes I
feel like I may faint while on the road. Earlier, I used to get passengers regularly, but now trips have almost halved. Surviving in this condition is very hard," he said.
Day labourer Sohel Rana from the Shalbagan area said workers like him have no choice but to continue working despite the heat. "We depend on daily wages. If we don't work, we cannot run our families. But working under this intense heat is exhausting.
We feel weak repeatedly and need to drink water frequently just to continue," he said.
Small business owners are also experiencing declining sales. Tea vendor Sajal Ali from the Darikhorbona area said customer flow has dropped significantly. "People are avoiding hot drinks and prefer cold beverages instead. Sales have fallen sharply compared to normal days, and it is difficult to maintain income," he said.
On the streets, movement has reduced considerably during midday hours. Most people are staying indoors, while only essential travel is observed. However, children and teenagers are seen gathering around tube wells and ponds in search of relief from the heat, raising safety concerns in some areas.
The heatwave has also affected animals and birds, with increased sightings of birds resting in shaded areas and stray animals lying exhausted under trees.
Rajshahi Meteorological Office acting officer Ruhidul Islam said temperatures may rise further in the coming days, with little chance of rainfall. "The heatwave is likely to continue. Dry winds and low soil moisture are making conditions worse, increasing discomfort for people," he said.
Doctors have advised residents to remain cautious amid rising health risks. Shankar K. Biswas, duty officer at Rajshahi Medical College Hospital's emergency department, warned of increased cases of heatstroke, dehydration, dizziness and fatigue.
"Children, the elderly and people
with underlying health conditions are at higher risk. Unnecessary outdoor movement should be avoided," he said.
He also advised drinking plenty of water, wearing light clothing, and using umbrellas or head coverings when going outside.
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