As Bangladesh endures a relentless heatwave, relief arrives in the form of widespread rainfall and thunderstorms, offering respite from scorching temperatures. The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) forecasts continued rain activity until the next week.
While the country battles with intense heat since April, Sunday night brought substantial rainfall and thunderstorms to most regions, notably cooling down the atmosphere. However, Khulna and Rajshahi divisions remained untouched by rain, bearing the brunt of the heatwave.
Following this much-needed rainfall, temperatures dropped by 3-4°C across Bangladesh, with some areas experiencing a remarkable decrease of up to six degrees Celsius. This sudden coolness blankets the nation, promising relief from the blistering heatwave throughout May, according to BMD meteorologists.
Dhaka and its surrounding areas witnessed significant rainfall, with other regions recording varying amounts. Srimangal recorded the highest rainfall at 124mm, while Chattogram received 37mm. These showers bring hope for a milder climate in the coming days.
BMD predicts heavy to very heavy rainfall with thunderstorms throughout May, offering a reprieve from the oppressive heatwave conditions that have plagued the nation, causing health concerns and disruptions.
Climate experts attribute the erratic weather patterns to climate change, emphasizing the urgent need for adaptation measures. Bangladesh has witnessed an alarming increase in heatwave days since the 90s, with the current heatwave spreading across the entire country.
Recognizing the escalating climate challenges, Bangladesh, with support from organizations like Unicef, has launched National Guidelines on Heat-Related Illnesses to safeguard vulnerable populations, especially children and pregnant women, from the adverse impacts of extreme heat.
These guidelines underscore the importance of proactive healthcare approaches in mitigating climate-related health risks, aligning with global initiatives aimed at creating healthier environments for children amidst a changing climate landscape.
