UNB, Khulna :
Khulna is reeling under severe heatwave. The highest temperature in the country has been prevailing in Khulna division for the last 12 days.
Even today, the highest temperature in the country is in this region. The high temperatures will continue for four to five days, according to the Met Office.
The temperature may rise during this time. And then there is the possibility of rain, Met Department officials said.
With the rise in temperature, the demand for electricity has also increased and day to day activities are being severely impacted.
Khulna city dwellers including pedestrians, low-income people, and students are easily exhausted when outdoor due to the excessive heat. Many stray dogs, cats and birds were seen going to the nearby drains or water bodies.
Due to the extreme heat, air conditioners, air coolers, and fans are running nonstop in offices, schools and universities. Fasting pedestrians were seen buying various cold drinks to quench their thirst after iftar.
Khorshed Alam, a daily wage earner working on Khanjahan Ali Road in Khulna city, said, “The temperature was mild at the start of Ramadan. It’s quite hot right now. Working while fasting is difficult.
“I can’t stand for too long in this scorching heat, but I still have to work though. Meanwhile, construction work on the road is going on for which dust is all around. All in all, it’s uncomfortable.”
Maqbul Hossain, a rickshaw puller standing in front of Shibbari Public Hall in the city, said, “The heat is unbearable. While riding the rickshaw, I’m completely soaked in sweat. Sometimes I get headaches. I’m becoming fatigued, and riding a rickshaw is exhausting,”
Firoz Ahmed Sabuj, a resident of Khalishpur Park intersection, said, “I take multiple showers during the day. And no one goes out without a reason. Furthermore, the fan must be running in the house at all times.”
CNG-run autorickshaw driver Mizanur Rahman said, “It is very difficult to drive in this weather. It’s too hot. There is no other way, however, because of the daily household expenses, and the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr.”
Sumon, a sugarcane juice seller, said, “This unbearable heat has increased the demand for sugarcane juice. Besides, there is a great customer response during pre-Iftar.”
Senior Meteorologist Md Amirul Azad, in-charge of Khulna Meteorological Office, said, “A moderate heatwave is sweeping over Khulna division. The maximum temperature in Khulna today is 39 degrees Celsius.”
“Chuadanga recorded 39.7 degrees Celsius which is the highest temperature in the country today. Besides, temperatures were recorded at 39.4 degrees Celsius in Jashore, 39.5 degrees Celsius in Mongla and 38.6 degrees Celsius in Kushtia,” he said.
He said the high temperature will continue for four to five more days and may even go up a bit. However, there is a possibility of rain after April 17. There may be a storm in one or two places.
In a span of 11 days, the demand for electricity has increased in 21 districts of the southern region, including Khulna, according to West Zone Power Distribution Company sources.
During the peak hours on March 31, the demand for electricity from WZPDC and Palli Bidyut Samity consumers was 1,618 MW. On April 11, the demand for electricity was 2,298 MW.
WZPDC Superintending Engineer Shahidul Alam said, “The demand for electricity has increased in April compared to March. But even if the demand increases, our supply is fine. There is no shortage of electricity. Meanwhile, due to the rise in temperature, the working people of Khulna region are enduring a tough time.”
