The heat spell now continues in Dhaka, Rajshahi, Jessore, Chuadanga and Chittagong areas.

The deputy forecasting officer at Met office attributed the heat wave to westerly wind from Uttar Pradesh in India. 'If the westerly wind changes its direction or if rain occurs in Uttar Pradesh, temperature will decrease in Bangladesh," he said.

In the capital, streets were comparatively less crowded yesterday due to increase in temperature in the last three days.

Meanwhile, sale of juicy and sour fruits has increased in Dhaka and other areas of the country as is usual in summer.

"Actually this is the peak period for sale of watermelons. We are now having more and more customers," said a watermelon seller at Karwan Bazar market.

Sources said the heat wave is causing an outbreak of fever in different areas.

Asked about this, two specialist physicians at Dhaka Medical College Hospital however said they are yet to find any patient attacked with fever due to the heat spell.

"May be, such patients are yet to come to hospital," said Dr Abul Khashem Khandakar.

Dr MA Fayez also expressed similar views.

Met office said a well-marked low has formed in South Andaman Sea and adjoining areas, which may move towards Bangladesh and nearby Indian coast.

Maritime ports of Chittagong, Cox's Bazar and Mongla have been advised to hoist distant cautionary signal number one. All fishing boats and trawlers in North Bay and deep sea have been asked to come closer to the coast and proceed with caution till further notice. The ports will be asked to hoist bigger signals if the sea becomes more rough, Met office sources said.

The highest temperature in the country yesterday --38 degree Celsius-- was recorded in Jessore and Ishawardi. In the capital, temperatue was 37.5 degree Celsius.