Fake heatwave alert using Met Office name spreads online: FactWatch

A viral social media post falsely claiming that Bangladesh’s temperature could rise to 45–55°C has been identified as misinformation, according to fact-checking organisation FactWatch.

The post, circulating on Facebook, attributed the warning to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department and the Fire Service and Civil Defence, advising people to avoid going outdoors during specific dates and hours.

However, FactWatch confirmed that no such direction was issued by either authority.

In a statement, the Fire Service and Civil Defence said it had not released any advisory regarding extreme heat during the mentioned periods and urged the public not to be misled.

Meteorological Department Director Md. Mominul Islam described the viral message as “false, misleading and harmful,” noting that Bangladesh has no recorded history of temperatures reaching 50°C and such situation is highly unlikely.

Senior meteorologist Muhammad Abul Kalam also said expected temperatures during the time would likely range between 35°C and 38°C.

Based on these findings, FactWatch labelled the circulating heatwave warning as false and cautioned against the growing spread of misinformation on social media.