57m in Bangladesh severely affected by extreme heat: Study

Bangladesh ranked among the countries hardest hit by abnormal heat this summer, with 57 million people—over a third of the population—facing dangerously high temperatures, according to a new report by international research organisation Climate Central released Wednesday.

The study found that from June to August, human-driven climate change exposed billions worldwide to extreme heat, placing Bangladesh 10th globally for the number of people affected.

In the country, 57 million people experienced more than 30 days of heat considered “risky” to human health. Of them, 30 million endured an additional 30 days of heat directly linked to climate change.

Dhaka ranked 10th among the world’s megacities, recording 52 days with heat made at least twice as likely by climate change. Rangpur saw the largest temperature anomaly, with 0.9°C above normal and 37 risky heat days, 24 of which were directly attributed to climate change.

Chattogram experienced 59 days strongly influenced by climate change, the highest in the country, while other divisional cities including Khulna, Rajshahi, and Gazipur also faced significant increases in dangerous heat days.

Globally, the analysis found that one in five people each day—at least 1.8 billion people—experienced temperatures strongly influenced by climate change. Nearly 955 million people endured more than 30 extra days of risky heat.

Residents of 183 countries experienced at least 30 days of temperatures that were at least twice as likely due to climate change. Europe and Asia recorded the highest levels of unusual heat this season.

Dr. Kristina Dahl, Vice President for Science at Climate Central, said, “This analysis confirms that the impacts of climate change are no longer a future threat—they are happening now. Extreme heat is already affecting human health, economies, and ecosystems. Delays in reducing carbon emissions will only increase risks and suffering.”

The report also highlights how this prolonged heat has fueled extreme weather events worldwide: Europe experienced its worst wildfire season on record, Canada its second-worst wildfire year, and the United States suffered catastrophic flooding. Even traditionally cooler countries like Finland and Norway recorded consecutive days of record-breaking temperatures.

This extended heat has intensified disasters such as wildfires and floods across the globe, underlining the urgent need for climate action.

The study includes data for 240 countries, 940 cities, and U.S. states, along with interactive maps and rankings.