A mild to moderate heatwave is sweeping  large parts of Bangladesh  including Dhaka, leaving life severely disrupted amid intense sunshine and high humidity.

The extreme weather has made daily life increasingly difficult, particularly for outdoor workers such as agricultural labourers, rickshaw pullers and construction workers who are bearing the worst of the heat.

The highest temperature was recorded at 38.5 in Dinajpur on Wednesday.

“We are constantly sweating and we are earning less. If we had enough food at home, we would not work under such conditions, but we have no choice. My income is now less than half of what it used to be,” said rickshawpuller Ahsahullah of Shahjahanpur area.

“The scorching heat wave is likely to continue for another day. However, people in the northern parts of the country may experience a slight drop in temperature from today,” BMD meteorologist Bazlur Rashid told UNB.

BMD in its long-term weather forecast  indicated the possibility of two to three mild to moderate heatwaves in parts of the country in June.

Mild heatwaves occur when temperatures range between 36°C and 37.9°C, while moderate heatwaves are recorded when temperatures range between 38°C and 39.9°C.

Health experts have warned that the prolonged heatwave is increasing the risk of heatstroke, dehydration, diarrhoeal diseases and other heat-related illnesses.

Doctors also recommended using umbrellas, hats or sunglasses when outside, drinking sufficient safe water to stay hydrated.

Heat wave is sweeping over Rangpur, Rajshahi, Dhaka, Khulna, Barishal divisions and Chandpur, Noakhali and Brahmanbaria districts and it may continue, said a Met office bulletin.

Besides, light to moderate rain or thunder showers accompanied by temporary gusty or squally wind and lightning flashes is likely at a few places over Rangpur, Mymensingh, Dhaka, Chattogram and Sylhet divisions and at one or two places over Rajshahi, Khulna and Barishal divisions with moderately heavy falls at places over the country, it said.

Day temperature may fall slightly over northeastern part and it may remain nearly unchanged elsewhere over the country, it said.

Night temperature may remain nearly unchanged over the country.

Due to increase of moisture incursion, the discomfort may persist, it added.

In the capital, the maximum temperature was recorded at 36.8°C on Wednesday.

Our Rangpur correspondent reports: daily life across northern Bangladesh has been severely affected by a persistent heatwave over the past several days, with farmers and agricultural labourers bearing the brunt of the extreme weather.

Under the scorching sun and oppressive humidity, farm workers are struggling to remain in the fields for extended periods.

Many are forced to take frequent breaks under trees or beside stacks of straw after working for less than an hour, slowing agricultural activities and reducing their daily earnings.

Entaj Ali, an agricultural labourer from Kakina Champaratal village in Kaliganj upazila of Lalmonirhat, said workers have already lost valuable time due to continuous rainfall in recent weeks.

“Now the rain has stopped, but the intense heat over the last five days has made life miserable. After working for about an hour in the fields, our bodies feel exhausted and we are forced to rest in the shade,” he said.

Mostafizur Rahman, acting officer of the Rangpur Meteorological Office, said the highest temperature recorded in Rangpur at noon on Tuesday was 36.8 degrees Celsius.

“For the last five days, temperatures in the region have fluctuated between 36.6 and 36.8 degrees Celsius. During the same period last year, temperatures ranged between 34 and 35 degrees Celsius.The lack of rainfall and high humidity are making the heat feel more intense,” he said.

He said if rainfall does not occur soon, the heatwave could have a greater impact on agricultural production and public life.