Why is there a heatwave in the Middle East?
A prolonged heatwave is affecting the Middle East, driven by persistent high-pressure systems creating a heat dome with stable atmosphere and sinking air that suppresses cloud formation and precipitation, allowing solar radiation to heat the surface intensely.
The Middle East is warming twice as fast as the global average. If the trend continues, the average temperature in some areas will increase by four degrees by 2050 (1). Areas with high humidity such as Gulf countries like the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait are at particular risk, as the human body struggles to regulate its own temperature and heat stress can occur more quickly.
The extreme heat can occasionally worsen air quality across the region. High temperatures accelerate the formation of ground-level ozone and increase dust suspension, leading to higher levels of PM2.5 and PM10 in many cities. Climate scientists attribute the accelerated warming largely to human-driven climate change (2).
Which cities or areas are affected by the heatwave?
Several major cities across the Middle East are experiencing extreme heat during this heatwave event, some of the affected include:
- Egypt: Aswan, Luxor and Mut.
- Iran: Ahvaz, Iranshahr and Zabol.
- Iraq: Al Hillah, Baghdad and Nasiriyah.
- Kuwait: Al Abraq and Jahra.
- Oman: Haima, Ibra and Thumrait.
- Qatar: Al Ameria, Al Ghuwayriya and Doha.
- Saudi Arabia: Jeddah, Mulayjah and Riyadh.
- United Arab Emirates: Al Ain, Al Hameem and Ghiyathi.
How long will the heatwave last?
The heatwave affecting the Middle East began in mid-May 2026 and is expected to persist throughout the summer months. Unlike short-term heat events, the Middle East experiences sustained extreme temperatures throughout summer, with temperatures consistently remaining above 100°F (38°C) and frequently exceeding 120°F (49°C) in many locations (3).
Kuwait City, Doha, Dubai, Riyadh and Muscat face intense, persistent summer heat often combined with night-time retention or coastal humidity, with the main issue being the long duration of extreme heat and limited night relief.
Heatwaves will occur with more regularity and last longer, with people in the Middle East expecting 200 days of exceptional heat per year. The heat is expected to be most intense during July and August, with some relief possible by late September or early October (4).
Are there any alerts in place?
Multiple heat warnings and advisories are in effect across the region. Iran's Meteorological Organization issued a rare alert stressing the critical importance of using electricity and water resources efficiently given the widespread and substantial temperature increases (5).
Egypt's Climate Information Center issued warnings for the exceptional heatwave, with forecasts indicating extreme heat in Cairo, Upper Egypt, and the New Valley. In Kuwait, Jahra had eight consecutive days with maximum daytime temperatures above 50°C and minimum nighttime temperatures sometimes above 35°C (6).
National meteorological departments across Gulf countries issue continuous alerts and advise against outdoor activities during peak heat hours, typically between 11am and 4pm. Authorities recommend staying in air-conditioned spaces, avoiding strenuous outdoor work during midday hours, drinking plenty of water, and checking on vulnerable individuals including the elderly and those with preexisting conditions.
