A scorching heat wave sweeping across the country’s central, southern and northern parts persisted yesterday, with Jessore recording the highest maximum temperature of 37.8 degrees C and Dhaka city experiencing its most oppressive day so far at 37 degrees C. The situation is likely to remain unchanged over the next two days, but subsequent showers could bring the mercury down, said Met office sources.
Some rain in the northern region today could bring relief to the people in the grip of a heat wave. The maximum temperature in Rajshahi touched 37.2 degrees C. The sources said the mild heat wave sweeping across the Dhaka, Khulna and Barisal Divisions as well as regions of Rajshahi, Pabna,
Chandpur and Noakhali might continue with day and night temperatures recording only slight variations. The high level of heat and humidity made children vulnerable to heat-related ailments. Some 532 people, mainly children, were admitted to the ICDDRB Dhaka hospital on Monday as the maximum daytime temperature touched 36.8C.
The consumption of unclean water used in the preparation of tempting cold drinks sold by street vendors is responsible for a rising tide of diarrhoea, doctors said.
Medical practitioners advised people to drink boiled water and maintain personal hygiene to ward off dysentery and other ailments caused by bacterial attacks. They also advised people to stay away from roadside cold drinks and ice creams.