A mild to moderate heat wave continues to sweep across several parts of Bangladesh and is likely to persist in the coming days, according to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD).

In a weather bulletin issued on Wednesday morning, the BMD said the heat wave is currently affecting Rangpur, Rajshahi and Khulna divisions, as well as the districts of Dhaka, Narayanganj, Tangail, Faridpur, Madaripur, Gopalganj, Manikganj, Mymensingh, Chandpur, Noakhali, Brahmanbaria, Barishal, Patuakhali and Bhola.

The meteorological department forecast light to moderate rain or thundershowers accompanied by temporary gusty or squally winds and lightning at a few places in Rangpur, Mymensingh, Chattogram and Sylhet divisions. Similar weather conditions may also occur at one or two places in Rajshahi, Dhaka, Khulna and Barishal divisions.

The BMD further said moderately heavy rainfall is likely at isolated locations in Rangpur, Mymensingh, Chattogram and Sylhet divisions.

Day and night temperatures across the country are expected to remain nearly unchanged, the bulletin noted.

Meanwhile, the trough of westerly low pressure continues to extend from West Bengal to North Bay. The BMD also indicated that the southwest monsoon may advance up to the Teknaf coast within the next 72 hours.