United News of Bangladesh

A powerful heat wave is expected to grip much of the central and eastern United States this week, bringing dangerously high temperatures to several cities hosting FIFA World Cup knockout matches and raising concerns for both players and fans. Forecasters say a strong heat dome will push temperatures and humidity to uncomfortable levels, with the heat index, or the "feels-like" temperature, expected to climb above 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) in several areas. Open-air stadiums in cities including Boston, Philadelphia and Kansas City are expected to be among the hardest hit. "This week is going to be extremely hot," said Geoff Cornish, assistant chief video meteorologist at AccuWeather. He described it as a major heat wave that is not seen every year. Heat has been a growing concern throughout the tournament, which is being hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. Scientists say climate change, driven by the burning of fossil fuels, is making extreme heat more frequent and intense around the world. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, extreme heat causes more deaths in the US each year than hurricanes, floods or tornadoes. The National Weather Service has issued an extreme heat watch for Philadelphia and nearby areas from Wednesday afternoon through Saturday evening, with "feels-like" temperatures expected to reach as high as 110 degrees Fahrenheit (43.3 degrees Celsius). In response, FIFA has adjusted the operating hours of its Fan Festival in Philadelphia. Saturday's fan event will end after the conclusion of the 1 p.m. match. Kansas City is also under an extreme heat warning through Friday night, with the heat index forecast to range between 105 and 110 degrees Fahrenheit (40.6 to 43.3 degrees Celsius). The New York City area could experience near-record heat, with temperatures feeling as high as 109 degrees Fahrenheit (42.8 degrees Celsius), while Boston and much of southern New England could see heat index values of up to 111 degrees Fahrenheit (43.9 degrees Celsius). Weather officials warned that the extreme heat could be life-threatening for people without access to cooling or enough drinking water and could also put pressure on transportation, electricity and water systems. Players will have several protections during matches, including medical support and mandatory three-minute cooling breaks in each half. However, health experts warn that even elite athletes remain at risk of heat-related illnesses. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include severe tiredness, headaches, dizziness, nausea, muscle cramps and dehydration. In more serious cases, heat stroke can develop and requires immediate medical treatment. Experts also say high temperatures can reduce the intensity of matches, as players often run less and conserve energy to cope with the heat. Fans, volunteers and stadium workers may face even greater risks, especially in outdoor fan zones, parking areas and transport hubs where they could spend long periods in direct sunlight. Health experts also caution that drinking alcohol in extreme heat increases the risk of dehydration. Several host cities and stadiums have expanded access to shaded areas, cooling stations and free drinking water. Medical teams will also be available at FIFA Fan Festivals and around stadiums to treat heat-related illnesses if needed. Health experts advise people attending matches or outdoor events to drink plenty of water, stay in shaded or air-conditioned areas whenever possible, wear light, loose-fitting clothing and avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day. Maggie Aldousany, an associate clinical professor at the University of Miami, said people should begin drinking enough fluids well before attending matches or celebrations rather than waiting until they feel thirsty. Experts also recommend limiting alcohol consumption and checking for signs of dehydration. Light yellow urine is generally considered a sign of good hydration. Older adults, people taking certain medications and those not accustomed to hot weather are among those most at risk. Cornish advised anyone who feels dizzy, overheated or notices they have stopped sweating to move to a cooler place, drink water and seek medical attention immediately if symptoms become severe.

“Right now 150 million people are living under extreme heat, hundreds have died, schools are shut, grids are buckling,” WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said Sunday on X. “Europe is the fastest-warming continent on Earth, heating at twice the global average,” he added. Driven by climate change and global warming, the “once-in-a-generation” heat wave is now occurring nearly every year, Tedros said, adding that more than 1,300 excess deaths have been recorded since June 21 linked to high temperatures in Europe. “Heat stress is often called the ‘silent killer’ — and European homes, workplaces and schools were not built for these temperatures,” Tedros warned as he called on European countries to implement action plans. He said they should focus on preparedness, prevention and stronger health system responses.

France saw around 1,000 additional deaths last week at the height of its record-smashing heat wave, the country's public health agency said Sunday, as Europeans elsewhere were suffering through yet another day of new temperature highs that sparked wildfires in Germany and had Berlin police using water cannons to cool down the crowds. Temperature records were toppled in several countries on the weekend as the heat wave slowly moved toward eastern parts of the continent. In Germany, a new nighttime temperature record was reported Sunday from Kubschütz, in eastern Saxony, where the temperature did not drop below 29.4 degrees Celsius (84.9 Fahrenheit). The nightly record came only hours after a daytime record of 41.5 C (106.7 F) in Möckern-Drewitz in Saxony-Anhalt, according to preliminary data by the German Weather Service DWD. The previous record was set a day earlier. A new study from the World Weather Attribution, a Europe-based collaboration of scientists, reported Friday that the record-breaking heat and humidity in Europe this week would not have been possible without climate change. The rapid study found that the heat would have been virtually impossible just five decades ago, and is 200 times more likely today than it would have been 20 years ago. France records surge in deaths during heat wave France saw a surge in deaths last week at the height of its record-smashing heat wave, including a sharp increase in calls to private homes, especially in the Paris region, the national public health agency said Sunday. There were more than 1,200 deaths on Wednesday, when France was sweltering under its hottest temperatures ever, increasing to more than 1,400 deaths on each of the two following days, Public Health France said. In April and May, before the heat wave, France’s rate of deaths was about 900 to 1,000 per day, it said. The agency concluded that France experienced a total of at least 1,000 additional deaths during those three days alone, an estimate it cautioned is likely to increase as more data is collected, including for deaths at home. The increase in deaths was sharpest in areas under red warnings of extreme heat, it said. Those warnings blanketed about three-quarters of the country at the peak of the heat wave. The agency said that 85% of the deaths involved people aged 65 and above. Heat sparks wildfires in forests contaminated with WWII ammunition In Gohrischheide, in eastern Germany, a fire broke out in a large forest that's still contaminated with ammunition from World War II, which made the firefighters' efforts to put out the flames even more dangerous and complicated.

An unusually early heat wave has swept across parts of Western Europe, breaking long-standing temperature records and causing several deaths, officials said. In the United Kingdom, temperatures crossed 35 degrees Celsius on Tuesday, setting a new record for this time of year for the second day in a row. According to the Met Office, 35.1°C was recorded at London’s Kew Gardens, surpassing both Monday’s record and a century-old high set in 1922. London also experienced a rare “tropical night,” where temperatures stayed above 20°C. France has also been hit by extreme heat, with temperatures reaching up to 36°C in the southwest and remaining above 20°C overnight in many areas. The country’s weather agency said a “heat dome” — a high-pressure system trapping hot air — is pushing temperatures more than 10°C above normal for this time of year. Experts say such extreme and unpredictable weather events are becoming more common due to climate change. They warn that rising global temperatures are making heat waves more frequent and intense, even in seasons when they are not usually expected. After a long weekend, many people in the UK crowded beaches and parks to cool down, while commuters struggled in overheated trains and subways without air conditioning. Some train services were disrupted due to heat-related issues. Emergency services also responded to wildfires in parts of Scotland, where a large grass fire broke out near Edinburgh. Health authorities in the UK have issued an amber alert, warning of possible health risks, especially for older people. Since many homes and public places in the country lack air conditioning, the heat has become particularly challenging. At least five people, including teenagers, have died in the UK in suspected drowning incidents as they tried to cool off in lakes and reservoirs. In France, officials reported at least seven deaths linked to the heat, including several drownings and fatalities during sports activities. The risks have increased as the heat wave arrived before lifeguards were deployed at many beaches. Authorities have urged people to be cautious, especially along the Atlantic coast, where strong currents have already led to multiple rescue incidents. The heat has also spread to Spain, where temperatures in some areas have reached up to 38°C  levels usually seen in mid-summer. Weather officials say temperatures across the region are 5 to 10°C higher than normal. In Italy, Rome is also experiencing rising temperatures, with highs expected to reach around 32°C. Officials across Europe are continuing to warn people to stay safe as the unusual heat wave continues.

Bangladesh Meteorological Department(BMD) predicted light to moderate rains in parts of the country including Rangpur, Mymensingh and  Sylhet divisions in 24 hours from 9am on Sunday. “Rains or thunder showers accompanied by temporary gusty or squally wind and lightning flashes are likely over Rangpur, Mymensingh & Sylhet divisions and at one or two places over Rajshahi, Dhaka, Khulna, Barishal & Chattogram divisions with moderately heavy to very heavy falls at places over Rangpur, Mymensingh and  Sylhet divisions,”said a Met office bulletin. Besides, the mild heat wave sweeping over Khulna division and Dhaka, Madaripur, Rajshahi, Pabna, Patuakhali, Rangamati, Bandarban, Chandpur, Laxmipur & Feni districts may abate from some places. Day temperature may fall by (1-2)°C over Rangpur, Rajshahi, Dhaka, Mymensingh & Sylhet divisions and it may fall slightly elsewhere over the country. Night temperature may fall slightly over the country.

A mild to moderate heat wave is sweeping over different parts of the country including Dhaka and it may continue, Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) said on Saturday. “A mild to moderate heat wave is sweeping over Rajshahi and Khulna divisions and the districts of Dhaka, Faridpur, Gopalganj, Manikganj, Narayanganj, Rangamati, Chandpur, Barishal, Patuakhali and it may continue,” said a Met office bulletin. Besides, rain or thundershowers accompanied by temporary gusty wind and lightning flashes is likely to occur at one or two places over Chattogram and Sylhet divisions, it said. Weather may remain mainly dry with temporary partly cloudy sky elsewhere over the country. Day and night temperatures may remain nearly unchanged over the country. The highest temperature of 39.7°C was recorded in Chuadanga on Friday. A trough of low lies over West Bengal and adjoining area. Seasonal low lies over South Bay.  

A mild to moderate heat wave is sweeping across several parts of the country and may expand further, according to a bulletin issued by the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) on Friday morning. The heat wave is currently affecting Rajshahi and Khulna divisions, along with the districts of Tangail, Faridpur, Manikganj and Nilphamari, it said. The highest temperature of 38.5°C was recorded in Chuadanga on Thursday. Meanwhile, rain or thundershowers accompanied by temporary gusty winds and lightning are likely at one or two places over Sylhet division in the 24 hours commencing at 9am on Friday. Elsewhere, the weather is expected to remain mainly dry with partly cloudy skies at times. Day and night temperatures may rise slightly across the country. The bulletin added that a trough of low pressure lies over West Bengal and adjoining areas, while a seasonal low lies over the South Bay.

People in parts of Bangladesh may have to endure extreme heat rather than comfort during tomorrow’s Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations. “Mild to moderate heat wave is sweeping over Dhaka, Rajshahi and Khulna divisions and Moulvibazar, Rangamati, Barishal & Patukhali districts and it may abate some places,” said a Met  office bulletin on Sunday. Heatwave affects Dhaka, other divisions; temperatures expected to rise Weather may remain dry with temporary partly cloudy sky over the country, it said. Day temperature may fall slightly and night temperature may rise slightly over the country. Country’s highest temperature was recoded at 37.2 Degree Celsius in Ishwardi upazila of Pabna.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has forecast that the severe to moderate heatwave sweeping over Dhaka and several other districts will continue until Eid-ul-Fitr. The heat wave situation is expected to remain unchanged for five days, said a BMD bulletin on Saturday “A severe heat wave is sweeping over Jashore and Sirajganj. A mild to moderate heat wave is sweeping over Dhaka and Barishal, parts of Rajshahi, Khulna, Moulvibazar, Brahmanbaria and Rangamati districts and it may continue,” it said. Fire Service urges precautions amid earthquake threat after destructive Myanmar quake Weather may remain dry with temporary partly cloudy sky over the country. Day temperature may remain nearly unchanged and night temperature may fall slightly over the country. Country’s highest temperature was recorded in Jashore at 41 degree Celsius on Friday.

A mild heat wave is sweeping in different parts of the country and it may continue, said according to Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD). “A mild heat wave is sweeping over the regions of Rajshahi, Rangamati, Feni, Sitakunda, Jashore, Bagerhat and Patuakhali and it may continue. Weather may remain dry with temporary partly cloudy sky over the country. Day and night temperature may rise slightly over the country.