| 2024 Bangladesh heatwave | |
| Start Date: | April 1, 2024 |
| Areas: | Bangladesh |
| Highest Temp C: | 42 |
| Fatalities: | 15+ |
| Injuries: | Unknown |
The 2024 Bangladesh heatwave is a significant climatic event and affecting the South Asian nation of Bangladesh.[1] Characterized by extremely high temperatures that have reached up to 42°C (108 F), [2] 1 6 degrees more than the annual average,[3] the heatwave has led to nationwide school closures, impacting an estimated 33 million children's education. The heatwave, which is sweeping over several northern and southern districts of Bangladesh,[4] is considered one of the most intense since records began in 1948.[5] The event has been attributed to climate change[6] and linked to other man-made causes, including rapid urbanisation, forest clearance, shrinking water bodies, and increased usage of air conditioning. This heatwave marks the second consecutive year that Bangladesh has been forced to close schools due to extreme heat.[7]
The 2024 Bangladesh heatwave represents a continuation of a disturbing climatic trend in the region. Historical data indicates an increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves in Bangladesh over the past few decades. The 2023 Asia heat wave, which led to nationwide school closures, was the first of such severity in the country’s recorded history.[8] The current heatwave, surpassing its predecessor in intensity, has further underscored the escalating climate crisis in the region. The repeated occurrence of such extreme weather events has prompted scientists to investigate their correlation with global warming and local environmental changes.[9] The 2024 heatwave, therefore, is not an isolated incident but part of a broader pattern of increasing temperatures and extreme weather events that have been affecting Bangladesh and the larger South Asian region.[10]
Education minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury, ordered the schools to remain remain open in the excessive heatwave. Nowfel has faced extreme mixed opinions from all teachers, students and parents.[11] On the other hand, the supreme court of Bangladesh has ordered schools to shut down on Apr 29, 2024 (Monday) until Thursday.[12]
During the last weeks of the heatwave, it rained a couple of times and the temperature started to go back to the normal.[13]