A severe heatwave is affecting 23 districts across Bangladesh, including Dhaka, as the country continues to experience intense heat during the ongoing Bangla month of Boishakh. With no sign of rain or thunderstorms, the sun has felt like a “ball of fire,” worsening discomfort in daily life.

According to Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD), Rajshahi district is currently experiencing a severe heatwave, with temperatures reaching 40 degrees Celsius on Wednesday.

In most other parts of the country, temperatures have been fluctuating between 35 and 38 degrees Celsius.

Officials have warned that the situation is unlikely to improve in the next few days. Instead, temperatures may rise further, intensifying the ongoing heatwave.

In a forecast issued on Thursday morning, BMD said that some areas in Mymensingh and Sylhet divisions may experience temporary gusty winds along with lightning and rain or thundershowers. Isolated hailstorms are also possible.

However, most other regions are expected to remain mainly dry with partly cloudy skies.

The forecast further stated that a severe heatwave is currently sweeping over Rajshahi district, while mild to moderate heatwaves are affecting parts of Rajshahi division, Khulna division and several other districts including Dhaka, Tangail, Faridpur, Madaripur, Dinajpur, Brahmanbaria, Lakshmipur, Rangamati and Bandarban. These conditions are likely to continue.

Daytime temperatures are expected to remain nearly unchanged across the country, while nighttime temperatures may rise slightly. The heatwave is likely to persist on April 24 as well.

However, relief may arrive on April 25, when rain is expected in some areas of Rangpur, Rajshahi, Dhaka, Mymensingh, and Sylhet divisions. These regions may experience temporary gusty winds with lightning and rain or thundershowers, which could slightly reduce daytime temperatures, while nighttime temperatures are likely to remain stable.