The heat wave and intense heat in Rajshahi region for the past few days has made public life extremely difficult. The scorching sun, high temperature and excessive humidity in the air are disrupting the daily lives of the common people. Especially the working people, rickshaw pullers, farmers, daily wage earners and those working under the open sky have suffered the most.

According to the Rajshahi Meteorological Office, the highest temperature recorded in Rajshahi yesterday (Tuesday) was 35.8 degrees Celsius. At the same time, the humidity was 75 percent. The previous day, Monday, the highest temperature was 37.2 degrees Celsius. Although the temperature has decreased slightly, the feeling of heat has become more intense due to high humidity. However, the Bangladesh Meteorological Department has given a big message of relief amidst this extremely uncomfortable situation. Meteorologists have said that the monsoon may become quite active over the country in the next few days. As a result, there is a possibility of a gradual increase in the trend of rainfall or thundershowers across the country, including Rajshahi.

Meanwhile, river ports in some parts of the country have already been asked to display warning signal number 1 due to the threat of Kalbaisakhi or gale force winds. According to meteorologists, the day temperature may decrease slightly if rainfall increases. However, due to the high amount of water vapor in the air, it will take some time for the discomfort of the sweltering heat to completely subside.

It was observed in various areas of the Rajshahi metropolis that the presence of people on the roads was comparatively less in the afternoon. Many people are not coming out of their homes unless necessary. Many people were panting in the intense sun and heat. Crowds of people were observed at shops selling daub, lemon sherbet, sugarcane juice and cold drinks at the intersections of the city. Rafiul Islam, a rickshaw puller in the Sahebbazar area of ​​the city, said, “Although some work can be done in the morning, it becomes very difficult to be on the road after noon. The body becomes weak in the sun and heat. Still, I have to work for the family.” Construction worker Shahin Alam said, “I have been working on construction work since morning. The sun is scorching on my head. I have had to rest several times. The pace of work has slowed down due to the heat.” Rehana Begum, a housewife living in the city’s suburbs, said, “It always feels hot day and night. I cannot get relief even by turning on the fan. I am most worried about the children and the elderly.” Tanvir Hasan, a student of Rajshahi College, said, “It is very difficult to travel to classes and coaching. Whenever I go out on the road, I have to sweat in the heat. Many students are also falling ill.” Meanwhile, doctors said that the number of patients with diarrhea, dehydration, fever and heat exhaustion in hospitals has started increasing due to the heat. They advised people to drink enough water, not go out in the sun unnecessarily and follow hygiene rules. According to experts, when the humidity in the air increases with high temperatures, the body’s sweat cannot dry easily. As a result, discomfort and fatigue increase in the human body. Staying in the sun for a long time can also create the risk of heatstroke. Rahidul Islam, in-charge of the Rajshahi Meteorological Office, said that the trend of heat may continue for the next few days. There is a good chance of rain within this week. If it rains, the temperature will decrease.