Bangladesh has been bracing for a searing summer after record-shattering heat last year.

A mild to moderate heatwave is already sweeping over parts of the South Asian country, including Dhaka.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has issued a “heat wave alert.’’

Muhammad Abul Kalam Mallik, a meteorologist at the BMD’s Storm Warning Centre, said on Thursday that several mild to moderate heat waves may occur this month.

Also, this month, he said there is a possibility of one to two severe to very severe heat waves, with maximum temperatures reaching 40 to 42 degrees Celsius.

On Wednesday, Mr Mallik said, Bangladesh’s highest temperature was recorded at 38.5 degrees Celsius in Ishwardi under Pabna district, some 216 km west of the capital, Dhaka.

He said in Dhaka, the temperature rose to 36 degrees Celsius on Wednesday.

According to the meteorologist, the maximum temperature may reach 40 degrees Celsius in three days.

In the current season, the mercury rose to 39 degrees Celsius on Monday.

“The prevailing heat wave over Rajshahi, Khulna, Dhaka and Barisal divisions may continue and may spread for the next 72 hours commencing today (Wednesday),’’ said the BMD’s Alert Message for Heat Wave.

Due to increasing moisture incursions, it said the discomfort may increase.

Bangladesh’s capital, Dhaka, experienced 40.6 degrees Celsius on April 16 last year, the highest in the capital in 58 years.

Experts said heat waves in Bangladesh would likely escalate in this and coming years due to erratic rainfall and high temperatures, posing a threat to the country, one of the worst victims of global warming. 

(Xinhua/NAN)