An intense heat wave is currently sweeping the country with temperatures hovering around the scorching 40 degrees Celsius mark, making it difficult to carry out normal activities in the intolerably hot weather.

Weather forecasts say the blistering heat is likely to continue for a few more days until monsoon rains arrive.

"We think the heat wave will stay for a few more days before letting up," said Arzumand Habib, deputy director of the Met office.

During that time, the Met office says, the heat wave is likely to spread in more areas of Khulna, Rajshahi, Dhaka, Chittagong and Barisal divisions. Only Sylhet has experienced a little rainfall during these hot and humid davs. The highest temperature recorded yesterday was 39.7 degrees Celsius in Jessore, up one degree from the day before.

The temperature recorded in the capital yesterday was 37.8 degrees Celsius. Humidity was 72 percent in the morning and 50 percent in the evening.