Very severe heat wave has gripped parts of Bangladesh, with maximum temperatures ranging from 40 degrees Celsius to over 42 degrees Celsius in some areas of the country.

‘Very severe heat wave is sweeping Pabna, Jashore and Chuadanga districts and severe heat wave is sweeping Dhaka and parts of Khulna divisions and Rajshahi district,’ said a bulletin of Bangladesh Meteorological Department on Sunday.

The country’s highest temperature was recorded at 42.2 degrees Celsius in Chuadanga on Sunday while Dhaka experienced highest 38.2 degrees Celsius temperature(the temperature recorded till 3 pm), meteorologist Shahinul Islam said.

Two people died from heat stroke in Chuadanga and Pabna districts on Saturday amid the extreme heat weather due to the prevailing heat wave for the past few days.

The season’s highest temperature in the capital Dhaka was recorded at 40.4 degrees Celsius on Saturday and the country’s highest temperature was recorded in Jashore at 42.6 degrees Celsius, which was also the season’s high for the country.

The BMD issued a warning that the heat wave condition will remain unchanged for the five days commencing 9 am on Saturday (20 April).

Over 42 degrees Celsius temperature is considered as very severe heat wave while between 40-41.9 degrees Celsisus is considered as severe and 38 to 39.9 degrees Celsius is considered as moderate heat wave while 36 to 37.9 degrees Celsius is conserved as mild heat wave in the country, according to the BMD.

The heat wave condition forced the authorities concerned to close all schools, madrasas and colleges till April 27.

Dhaka University authorities also announced to hold classes online due to the scorching heat.

The regular bulletin of Met office on Sunday predicted rain or thunder showers accompanied by temporary gusty or squally wind at one or two places over Mymensingh, Sylhet and Chattogram divisions with hails at isolated places.

Weather may remain mainly dry with temporary partly cloudy sky elsewhere over the country, it said.

Mild to moderate heat wave is sweeping Barishal division and  parts of Rajshahi division and Mymensingh, Moulvibazar, Feni, Cox’s Bazar, Chandpur and Rangamati districts and it may continue, the bulletin added.

Day temperature may rise by (1-2)°C over Rangpur division and it may remain nearly unchanged elsewhere over the country.

Night temperature may remain nearly unchanged over the country.

Due to increase of moisture incursion, the discomfort may persists.