Bangladesh has endured an exceptionally hot April, setting new temperature records as the nation and much of South Asia grapple with a relentless heatwave. According to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, last month was the hottest April on record, with temperatures soaring well above the average daily temperature for the period between 1981 and 2010. The absence of the usual pre-monsoon thunderstorms, which typically provide relief before the onset of summer, has further intensified the heat. Weather stations across Bangladesh recorded temperatures ranging from two to eight degrees Celsius higher than the average. The punishing heat has had severe consequences, prompting the government to close schools nationwide and keeping approximately 32 million students at home.
Health authorities have confirmed at least 11 deaths related to heat stroke in the past 10 days. Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Meteorological Department is examining data to determine if this April marked record low rainfall, compounding the challenges faced by the nation. While rainfall is expected to bring some relief from Thursday, the sweltering temperatures have already taken a toll, with the capital Dhaka experiencing several days with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius.
The extreme heatwave has impacted not only Bangladesh but also large parts of South and Southeast Asia, with record-breaking temperatures reported from Myanmar to the Philippines. The El Nino phenomenon has contributed to the exceptionally warm weather this year, and weather bureaus in Cambodia, Myanmar, Vietnam, and India have forecasted temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius. The months preceding the monsoon season are typically hot, but temperatures this year have surpassed average levels significantly in numerous countries.
According to the World Meteorological Organization, Asia is warming faster than the global average, underscoring the urgent need to address climate change and mitigate its impacts on human health and well-being.
