Dhaka experiences 'hottest day in 58 years'

Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh, is known for its scorching summers, but the residents of the city experienced the hottest day since 1965 today. The temperature reached a staggering 40.4 degrees Celsius, making the lives of over two crore city dwellers miserable. The news has created quite a stir in the city, and people are concerned about the implications of such extreme heat.

 

According to Md Farman Ali, a meteorological assistant at the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD), the temperature recorded in Dhaka today is the highest since 1965. Bazlur Rashid, a meteorologist at BMD, also confirmed the news and added that the highest temperature recorded in the capital in 1965 was 42 degrees Celsius, which is still the record high.

 

The sudden rise in temperature has alarmed the residents of Dhaka, as they are not used to such extreme heat. The situation has also raised concerns about the adverse effects of climate change. Bangladesh is one of the most vulnerable countries to the impacts of climate change, and extreme weather events like this are becoming more frequent.

 

The high temperature is not limited to Dhaka, as other parts of the country have also experienced record-breaking heat. The highest temperature recorded in the country today was 42.2 degrees Celsius in Chuadanga, according to Farman Ali.

 

The effects of such extreme heat are widespread and can be life-threatening. People with pre-existing health conditions like asthma, heart disease, and diabetes are at a higher risk of suffering from heatstroke and dehydration. The heat can also cause heat exhaustion, heat cramps, and other heat-related illnesses.

 

The heat can also have a significant impact on the economy and the environment. The soaring temperatures can affect crop yields, leading to food shortages and price hikes. The heat can also lead to power outages, as the demand for electricity increases, and the power grid struggles to cope with the load.

 

The situation calls for immediate action from the government and the citizens of Bangladesh. The government needs to take measures to reduce the impact of climate change and to protect the vulnerable sections of society. The citizens can take simple steps like staying indoors during the hottest parts of the day, staying hydrated, and avoiding strenuous physical activities.

 

In conclusion, the record-breaking heat in Dhaka and other parts of Bangladesh is a cause for concern. The situation calls for immediate action from all stakeholders to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change. The citizens of Bangladesh need to be aware of the risks and take measures to protect themselves and their communities. The government needs to take proactive measures to reduce the impact of climate change and ensure the safety and well-being of all citizens.

 

Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh, is known for its hot and humid weather throughout the year. However, the recent heatwave in the city has been extreme, making lives of over two crore city dwellers miserable. According to Md Farman Ali, meteorological assistant at the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, the highest temperature recorded in the capital today was 40.4 degrees Celsius. This is the highest temperature recorded in Dhaka since 1965.

 

Bazlur Rashid, a meteorologist at BMD, confirmed that the last time the temperature was this high in the capital was in 1965 when a high of 42 degrees Celsius was recorded. This means that the current temperature is just 1.6 degrees Celsius lower than the highest temperature ever recorded in Dhaka.

 

The high temperature has made it difficult for people to carry out their daily activities. The heat is so intense that people are unable to work outside, and those who do, often suffer from heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses. The heat is also causing power cuts, as the demand for electricity to run air conditioners and fans has increased significantly.

 

The impact of the heatwave is not just limited to Dhaka. According to Farman Ali, the highest temperature in the country was recorded in Chuadanga, which is located in the southwestern part of Bangladesh, at 42.2 degrees Celsius. This is a record high for the country.

 

The reasons behind the heatwave are multiple. One of the main reasons is the urban heat island effect. Dhaka is one of the most densely populated cities in the world, with a population of over 20 million. The city's infrastructure and buildings trap heat, which raises the temperature in the surrounding areas. The use of air conditioning units and cars also contribute to the problem.

 

Another reason behind the heatwave is climate change. The world is experiencing an increase in global temperatures due to the greenhouse effect caused by the emission of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide. Bangladesh, being a low-lying country, is highly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, such as heatwaves, floods, and cyclones.

 

The impact of the heatwave on the people of Dhaka is immense. The heat is causing people to fall sick and suffer from dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke. The elderly, children, and those with underlying health conditions are especially vulnerable to the effects of the heat.

 

To cope with the heat, people are resorting to various measures such as staying indoors during the day, avoiding going out in the sun, drinking plenty of water, and using fans and air conditioners. However, not everyone has access to these resources, and many are suffering in the extreme heat.

 

The government needs to take immediate action to mitigate the impact of the heatwave. The first step would be to create awareness among the public about the dangers of heatwaves and the measures they can take to protect themselves. The government should also ensure that there is an adequate supply of electricity and water, especially in the areas worst affected by the heat.

 

Another measure that can be taken is to increase the number of green spaces in the city. Trees and plants absorb carbon dioxide and other pollutants from the air, and provide shade and cooling. Green spaces also help to reduce the urban heat island effect and provide relief from the heat.

 

In conclusion, the heatwave in Dhaka is a wake-up call for the government and the people of Bangladesh. Climate change is a reality, and it is causing extreme weather events such as heatwaves. The government needs to take immediate action to mitigate the impact of the heatwave and create long-term solutions to address the problem of climate change.