July is set to remain sweltering despite the arrival of the monsoon, with the rains of Asharh unlikely to bring much respite from the oppressive heat.
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has forecast two mild heat waves across the country in July, even as rainfall intensifies. Day and night temperatures are expected to stay slightly above normal throughout the month, prolonging discomfort for millions already struggling through unusually hot conditions.
A mild heat wave is declared when maximum temperatures range between 36°C and 37.9°C. Coupled with high humidity, such conditions often make it feel considerably hotter than the actual temperature, causing excessive sweating and heightened discomfort.
July temperatures in Bangladesh are typically moderated by monsoon rains, with average highs usually hovering between 32°C and 33°C. In recent years, however, temperatures have frequently exceeded seasonal norms by two to three degrees.
Meteorologists note that the “feels-like” temperature can differ sharply from actual readings, sometimes by as much as 4°C to 8°C. During June, the perceived heat in Dhaka at times rivalled conditions in cities located in the Arabian desert.
Although the capital recorded a maximum temperature of 36°C early in the month, the heat index climbed to as high as 42°C.
The country also faces the prospect of rising river levels and short-term flooding in parts of the north, north-east and south-east as monsoon rains gather pace in July.
The heaviest rainfall is expected in the Chittagong Division, where precipitation could reach between 680 and 720 millimetres.
Forecasts suggest 530 to 550 millimetres of rain in the Sylhet Division and Barisal Division, 430 to 450 millimetres in the Mymensingh Division, 400 to 420 millimetres in the Rangpur Division, 360 to 380 millimetres in the Dhaka Division, 350 to 380 millimetres in the Khulna Division and 300 to 330 millimetres in the Rajshahi Division.
The Met Office has also warned that thunderstorms are likely to accompany the rainfall throughout the month.
Meteorologist Md Hafizur Rahman said June ended drier than usual. While average rainfall across the country during the month normally stands at around 445 millimetres, only 312 millimetres were recorded this year. The largest rainfall deficits were observed in Barisal and Chittagong divisions, while Mymensingh and Sylhet received more rain than average.
The south-west monsoon entered Bangladesh on 11 June. Although several spells of moderate to heavy rainfall swept across the country during the month, prolonged mild to moderate heat waves persisted in many regions.
The highest daily rainfall in June was recorded in Netrokona on 12 June, when 178 millimetres of rain fell in a single day.
