Schools, colleges closed for a week as heatwave burns country

The severe heatwave that has been gripping the country over the past two weeks turned deadly with at least two people dying reportedly from heatstroke today.

The heat has been "heavy severe" in three districts of Khulna, Rajshahi Divisions, according to the met office. Besides, other districts are experiencing "moderate to severe" heat waves.

In response, the National University colleges, as well as primary, secondary, and higher secondary schools across the country, have been closed for a week.

Several other universities have also adjusted their class schedules. Government bodies, including the Ministry of Health, are planning changes to heatwave precautions and protocols.

Meteorologists and climate experts said the heatwave is due to El Nino weather patterns and ongoing climate change, with each passing year witnessing record-breaking temperatures.

According to the Met office, Jashore recorded the highest temperature of 42.6 degree Celsius today. Besides, 42.4 degrees Celsius was recorded in Chuadanga, 41.7 in Mongla, 41.2 in Khulna, 42 in Ishwardi in Pabna, and 41.5 in Rajshahi.

The weather office has said there is little chance of the temperature falling for the next three days. At the same time, the met office also said that the remaining days of April and several days of May may be affected by heatwaves in the country.

Muhammad Abul Kalam Mallik, a from the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD), said April has consistently been the hottest month in recent years, with temperatures breaking records annually.

"This year, the duration of the heat wave is lasting longer compared to previous years, which he attributes to global warming and climate change," he added.

He further said that although the country has experienced heat waves before, they were typically short-lived and did not cause significant issues.

However, in recent times, the duration of these heat waves has been increasing, leading to more severe impacts, he added.

Edu institutes to remain closed

Due to the ongoing heatwave, the government has decided to extend the holidays of all educational institutions at the primary, secondary and higher secondary levels of the country till 27 April.

As a result, these educational institutions will be closed for the whole week including weekends. However, this decision may change subject to change in weather conditions.

Classes will remain closed in colleges across the country affiliated to the National University until further notice. However, no decision has been taken yet from the public universities of the country.

In response to the question whether the country's universities will be closed due to the heatwave, Jagannath University Vice-Chancellor Dr Sadeka Halim told TBS, "An emergency meeting has been called for a decision on this issue tomorrow, after meeting decision will be taken on this issue."

In a notice of Jashore University of Science and Technology, the class and examination time of the university has been changed from 8am to 12pm and office time has been changed from 8am to 2pm.

Two die of 'heatstroke'

Two individuals, Zakir Hossain, 33, from Chuadanga, and Sukumar Das, 60, from Pabna district town, died possibly from heatstroke today.

Zakir collapsed while irrigating a cropland in the morning and passed away on the way to Damurhuda Upazila Health Complex. Sukumar fell ill while having tea at a tea stall in Pabna city's Rupkotha Moar at noon and was pronounced dead upon arrival at Pabna General Hospital.

History of heat

The temperature in Dhaka city rose by 2 degrees Celsius on Saturday, reaching a maximum of 40.4 degrees Celsius. This marks a significant increase from Friday, when the maximum temperature was 38.4 degrees Celsius, making it the highest recorded temperature of the season so far.

Last year, on 16 April, Dhaka experienced its highest temperature since 1960, reaching 40.6 degrees Celsius. Back in 1960, the highest temperature recorded in Dhaka was 42.3 degrees Celsius.

Analysing weather data from the past 43 years, TBS found that 2023 was the hottest year overall. Furthermore, April has been the hottest month for 20 out of the past 43 years (from 1981 to 2023).

Looking at historical data, the highest temperature recorded in the country since independence occurred on 18 May 1972, reaching 45.1 degrees Celsius in the Khulna division. The second-highest temperature, 44.5 degrees Celsius, was recorded on 15 April 1964. In 2023, Ishwari experienced a maximum temperature of 43 degrees Celsius on 17 April.

Last year, Bangladesh faced an extreme heat wave, lasting for 14 consecutive days in April, with record-breaking temperatures observed throughout the month.

Water crisis rears head

Amid the heat, people are facing difficulties in getting water from tube wells as the water level has also gone down.

Abdullah Al Rashid, supervising engineer (Irrigation) of Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation said the underground water level has gone down and the situation will be fixed only when it rains.

Due to the low water level, farmers are finding it difficult to draw water with shallow machines for irrigation, said Sushant Kumar Tarafdar, deputy director of the Directorate of Agricultural Extension.

Md Shamsuddoha, chief executive of the Center for Participatory Research and Development, said the recent temperature trend is abnormal. While previously there were fluctuations in temperature, now the pattern has shifted.

This change, he said, is contributing to climate change and affecting development efforts. He said the actual temperature increase is 2-4 degrees Celsius higher than reported.