Why does Dhaka feel hotter every year?

If you feel Dhaka is hotter every year, you aren't wrong! The city is indeed getting warmer, and it is not only due to climate change; it is also due to the city itself.

The temperature progressed upwards from January to June 2026, averaging 27.2°C (81°F) at night and 34.4°C (94°F) during the day.

The greenery area of Dhaka decreased from 17 per cent (5,202 hectares) to merely 2 per cent (612 hectares) under dense vegetation cover during the period 1989 to 2020.

The population has increased by 77 per cent between 2001 and 2017. In contrast, the land area has risen by 19 per cent during the same period. The result? A concrete jungle that cannot escape heat, either in the day or at night, creating one of the most intense urban heat islands in the world, wherever Dhaka is.

What is the urban heat island effect?

The urban heat island (UHI) effect occurs when a city is considerably warmer than the surrounding countryside.

The number one reason is all those materials used for the day, concrete, asphalt, black surfaces, that absorb heat, and radiate it at night, through thermal radiation.

Why is there a concrete heat trap in Dhaka  

Three main factors make Dhaka a heat trap:

1. Heat-absorbing infrastructure

Most roads, buildings, and pavements are constructed of asphalt, concrete, and dark materials that absorb the sun. These surfaces retain heat and slowly release it, which helps keep nighttime heating high after dark.

2. Vanishing green space

Nature's air conditioning, through shade and evapotranspiration, promotes cooling and enhances the urban climate.

Shade and evapotranspiration, nature's air conditioning, provide benefits for cooling urban climates through trees and parks. Now Dhaka's lush green landscape is gone. Only when trees are removed from the land can heat move somewhere else.

3. Poor design of buildings

Many buildings are poorly oriented, poorly ventilated, and have dark facades that absorb more heat. In low-income regions, corrugated tin roofs can raise building temperatures by as much as 4°C above ambient temperature, particularly at night.

Prof. Dr Ahmad Kamruzzaman Majumder, chairman of the Centre for Atmospheric Pollution Studies (CAPS), says that "In 2017, the average temperature in areas under Dhaka South City Corporation was 33.50°C, which climbed to 36.54°C in 2024. Dhaka North City Corporation saw an even steeper increase, nearly 4°C, jumping from 33.39°C to 37.38°C last year."

Mohakhali had the most dramatic increase, with the average temperature in the sky skyrocketing from 33.50°C in 2017 to 41.5°C in 2024, which is an incredible 7.5°C increase.

Human cost of a hotter Dhaka

It's not just about discomfort; it's a public health concern.

The higher the temperature, the greater the risk of heat stress, dehydration, heatstroke, and breathing conditions. Children, older children, outdoor workers, and people without air conditioning are at high risk.

The gradual increase moves many regions from moderate/low to high heat stress conditions for humans.

On hot days, like those during the monsoon season, the emergency room sees a 30-40% increase in visits for heat-related illnesses.

Dr Farhana Akter from icddr,b says, "During extreme heat days, emergency room visits for heat-related illnesses spike by 30–40 per cent. The UHI effect makes these days more frequent and more intense".

Cooling Dhaka from the ground up

The good news? It is possible to cool Dhaka, but it needs to happen at all levels, from the domestic heat waves to the city-level policies.

1. Restore green cover

Trees, pocket parks and preventing loss of trees (where possible) are the most effective ways to help cool the environment. Even small green spaces can reduce the nearby temperature by 1-2°C.

2. Nature-based solutions

Vertical gardens, rooftop gardens, and permeable pavements help absorb heat and improve air quality. Bangladesh is now beginning to incorporate these NbS solutions into the country's urban plans.

3. Better building design

Light-coloured exteriors, orientations and ventilation of new buildings should be emphasised. These old buildings can be insulated and coated with reflectivity to help as well.

4. Community action

Neighbourhoods host tree planting initiatives, have cool, coordinated community cooling resources, and promote the use of green spaces. Together, it makes a difference.

"What can you do today?"

·        Use light-coloured or white roof or wall finishes; reflective coatings may be necessary.

·        Plant shade trees close to windows and balconies

·        Avoid having windows open and let curtains or blinds cover during peak times of sun.

The hot trend is indeed as real as it is in Dhaka, but it's not permanent. Over the past 30 years, the city has lost almost half its green spaces, but we can certainly restore this lost cover if we do it now!

Cities can be cooler, healthier, and more livable if they are built through smart planning and collective effort, and if they ensure that their residents are shielded from ever-warmer climates while also reflecting their collective identity, which is singularised by the spirit of 'we' in Dhaka. The next time you feel that burning heat while you're outdoors, don't forget, it isn't only the heat. It's the unaware city. We know that we can impact it by adopting sustainable green changes.

Samiha Mamun is a Graduate student of the Army Institute of Business Administration (Army IBA), affiliated with the Bangladesh University of Professionals in Savar, Dhaka. samihamamunmeem@gmail.com