PHOTOS: FIROZ AHMED

RBR

Like the song “Summer Nights” from the ’80s blockbuster “Grease”, I keep humming my own parody these days: Summer lovin’, had me a headache. Summer headaches happened so fast. I popped a pill, hoping for relief. But the pain stayed, beyond belief. Summer days, drifting away… to uh-oh, those summer migraines!

A pat on my back for rhyming -- or maybe thanks to these AI times for tweaking it. But let’s not linger there. Instead, let me take you back to the current oppressive heatwave -- the headaches, the waves of humidity, and the embarrassing sweat -- that make daily life in Dhaka feel unbearable.

Before diving into the intensity of the day’s temperature, I pause to reflect on the intoxicating scents of summer flowers. Kamini, or Orange Jasmine, with its heavily scented, white, star-shaped blooms and glossy foliage, fills the air with a heady fragrance. Then there are lilies -- showy, exotic, dramatic -- gracing gardens from early to late summer. Their bright colours and delicate shapes are nature’s gift, offering a sense of calm despite the scorching heat.

Summer in Bangladesh, from late April to mid-June, brings a vibrant display of heat-resistant flowers: Krishnochura with its fiery red canopy, Sonalu with golden cascades, and Jarul with purple blossoms. These blooms thrive in oppressive humidity, painting Dhaka’s streets in colour.

Many summer flowers are nocturnal, their white petals glowing in moonlight, their hypnotic fragrance attracting birds and bees. These ethereal blooms are why I confess my love for tropical summers in Dhaka, urging you [to also see the charm of sunny days and breezy nights.

Even though the weather forecast says rain is expected over the next week, the heatwave is a devastating dampener to this euphoria.

I love summer, but not the heatwave. Much of this unforgiving heat is our own doing: rapid urbanisation has created a localised heat trap. Dhaka’s dense concrete, asphalt roads, and glass buildings absorb heat during the day and release it slowly at night, preventing the city from cooling down. Add to that our near-constant use of air conditioners, which vent waste heat into the streets, raising outdoor temperatures even further.

The loss of green spaces -- once the city’s natural cooling agents -- only worsens the problem. Combined with seasonal weather patterns, the result is this torrid spell. A short Kalboishakhi storm may sweep through, but the suffocating humidity that follows often feels worse. Sometimes I wonder if heatwaves are a preview of what hell might feel like.

Beyond frangipani and romantic visions of summer, the reality is harsh: heatwaves and extreme humidity are suffocating, making city life nearly unbearable. Right now, Dhaka is caught in a mild-to-moderate spell, but the impact feels far heavier.

During these stifling days, caring for ourselves, animals, and birds is crucial. People must drink plenty of fluids -- coconut water, lemon water, oral saline -- and wear light cotton clothes while avoiding direct sun during peak hours. Meals should be light, with fruits and vegetables instead of oily or spicy food, and sunscreen or hats are essential against UV rays. Children and the elderly are especially vulnerable, so they should remain indoors in shaded, cool areas.

Pets and street animals need shade and fresh water too. Never leave them in parked vehicles or force them to walk on hot pavements that burn their paws. Birds also suffer, so bowls of clean water and food in shaded balconies or rooftops can help them survive, while cages should never be left in direct sunlight.

Heatstroke is a serious risk for all living beings, with symptoms like dizziness, vomiting, headache, and fainting. Immediate cooling and medical attention are vital. In short, staying hydrated, seeking shade, eating light, and protecting against the sun are essential steps to safeguard humans, animals, and birds during this severe heatwave.