The Bangladesh Meteorological Department says that the heat may start easing from Tuesday as more rain starts to fall.

A low-pressure area has developed in the west-central Bay of Bengal on Sunday, according to Meteorologist Omar Faruk.

“It is not yet clear whether it could intensify into a depression, but the rain will increase. It has already started in the southern region. It will slowly spread to the rest of the country.”

Rangpur saw the highest temperature in the country on Sunday, recording 38.5 degrees Celsius. The mercury reached 36.6 degrees Celsius in Dhaka, reports bdnews24.com.

The Dhaka, Tangail, Faridpur, Kishoreganj, Narayanganj, Sylhet, Feni, Jashore, and Chuadanga districts, as well as the Rangpur, Rajshahi, and Mymensingh divisions are experiencing a mild heatwave.

When temperatures range between 36°C and 38°C it is considered a mild heatwave, while a moderate heatwave is between 38°C and 40°C. A severe heatwave occurs between 40°C and 42°C, and temperatures above 42°C are considered an extreme heatwave.

The heat is expected to ease in the south from Monday and then across the rest of the country on Tuesday.

“As there is no rain, the sun’s rays are hitting us directly. That is why it is hotter. When there is more rain, the temperature will drop.”