DHAKA, April 20, 2024 (BSS) - The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has issued a 72-hour nationwide heat alert starting from yesterday saying the ongoing heat wave is expected to continue in most parts of the country.

"Discomfort might increase due to high humidity during this period," said a BMD warning signed by Meteorologist Muhammad Abul Kalam Mallik.

"Severe heat wave is sweeping over Khulna division and the districts of Rajshahi, Pabna and Tangail, and mild to moderate heat wave is sweeping over Barishal division, rest part of Dhaka and Rajshahi divisions and the districts of Chandpur and Moulvibazar and it may continue," a BMD weather bulletin said this morning.

"Weather may remain mainly dry with temporary partly cloudy sky elsewhere over the country. Day and night temperature may rise slightly over the country. Due to increase of moisture incursion, the discomfort may increase," the bulletin added.

Rain or thundershowers accompanied by temporary gusty or squally wind is likely to occur at one or two places in Mymensingh, Sylhet and Chattogram divisions with hails at isolated places in the next 24 hours commencing 9am today.

Country's maximum temperature on Friday was recorded 41.5 degrees Celsius in Chuadanga and the minimum temperature today was 22.8 degrees Celsius in Sylhet.

The sun sets at 6:22 PM today and rises at 5:32 AM tomorrow in the capital.