As April begins, Bangladesh is already experiencing soaring temperatures approaching 40°C, signalling the onset of what meteorologists expect to be a month marked by multiple heatwaves. The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has forecast that the country could witness between two and four mild-to-moderate heatwaves, along with one or two severe episodes throughout the month.
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Heatwave Classification
Meteorologists classify heatwaves based on maximum temperatures as follows:
| Heatwave Type | Temperature Range (°C) |
|---|---|
| Mild | 36.0 – 37.9 |
| Moderate | 38.0 – 39.9 |
| Severe | 40.0 – 41.9 |
On Saturday morning, mild-to-moderate heatwave conditions were reported across 18 districts in the Rajshahi and Khulna divisions, as well as in parts of Dhaka, Narayanganj, Manikganj, Faridpur, Gopalganj, Chandpur, Barishal, Patuakhali, and Rangamati districts. The highest temperature recorded yesterday was 39.7°C in Chuadanga.
Meteorologists recall that in 2024, Bangladesh endured a continuous 36-day heatwave. However, experts now anticipate that this year’s heat intensity will not match that record. BMD meteorologist Md. Bazlur Rashid commented, “Rainfall is expected over the next couple of days, which should provide some relief and lower the temperature slightly. Heatwaves are a normal occurrence in April, but we do not expect the continuous extremes seen last year.”
Rainfall and Thunderstorm Outlook
The April forecast also predicts scattered severe thunderstorms in parts of the country. Over approximately seven days, light to moderate rainfall, occasionally accompanied by hail, is expected, while one to three days could see thunderstorms with heavier rain. Meteorologist Md. Tariful Newaz Kabir explained, “After a period of heat, cloud heights tend to increase, causing hail. Once rainfall starts, this tendency diminishes.”
He added that temperatures are likely to be relatively higher in the southwestern regions, although persistent rainfall is expected to prevent prolonged heatwave conditions.
March Weather Recap
In March, morning temperatures averaged 0.9°C above normal. The lowest temperature was recorded on 4 March in Raja’s Hat, Kurigram, at 14.2°C, while evening temperatures were slightly below average by 0.4°C. On 27 March, the highest temperature of the month, 37.8°C, was registered in Jashore.
Rainfall was observed on 24 days, with the maximum daily rainfall of 83 mm recorded in Sylhet on 13 March. Overall, nationwide rainfall exceeded the normal by 31%, though Khulna, Barishal, and Chattogram divisions experienced below-average precipitation.
End-of-Month Low Pressure
Meteorologists have indicated the possible formation of a low-pressure system towards the end of April. However, they emphasise that the likelihood of it developing into a cyclonic storm is low.
In summary, April is expected to bring a mix of intense heat and sporadic rainfall, requiring citizens, particularly in the southwest, to remain alert for both rising temperatures and sudden storms. The interplay between heatwaves and intermittent rain will be a defining feature of the month.