Dhaka experiences excessive heat as temperature peaks at 40.5°C, highest in 58 years

Amid the country battling a severe heatwave, Dhaka temperatures peaked at 40.5 degrees Celcius today (29 April), the second-highest in 59 years, according to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD)

The capital city previously recorded the second highest temperature this season at 40.4°C on 20 April.

In 1965, the highest temperature in Dhaka was recorded at 42°C. The capital city recorded its highest temperature to date in 1960 at 42.3°C. The highest temperature recorded in Bangladesh was 45.1°C on 15 May 1972 in Rajshahi.

Amid the ongoing heatwave, all schools were opened on Saturday (27 April) with sparse attendance. 

However, after many fell sick in classes due to the unbearable heat, the government decided to keep all schools, colleges, madrasas, and technical education institutions in Dhaka, Chuadanga, Jashore, Khulna, and Rajshahi districts closed from Sunday (28 April).

Meanwhile, educational institutions equipped with air conditioning systems may remain open if the authorities want.

To combat the heatwave, the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) and International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh (ICDDR,b) gave a guideline on what to do to avoid heat-related sickness.

The guidelines include:

• Refrain from going outside, avoid sun
• Cover head with umbrella, cap or cloth as much as possible when in outside
• Wear light colour dresses, especially those made of cotton
• Drinking adequate pure water
• Try to eat foods that are easily digested and avoid eating stale, open foods
• Refrain from continuous exercise in day time
• Take bath multiple times or splash water, if possible
• Keep an eye on the colour of  urine continuously, if it is yellow or dark, then increase the amount of water drinking
• Keep in mind that the environment of the house is not overheated or vapor
• If you feel sick, consult the nearest doctor immediately