July 20th 2024.
Have you ever experienced a severe dust storm? If so, you know how it can make the heat feel even worse. Remember last summer when the UK reached record-breaking temperatures of 40°C? It was unbearable. And while the UK hasn't reached those levels yet this summer, other parts of the world are feeling the heat. Greece and Cyprus, for example, are currently experiencing what can only be described as 'hellishly hot' weather, with temperatures regularly soaring past the point of comfort. In Greece, the extreme heat has forced tourist attractions and schools to close down as temperatures reached a scorching 43°C. Unfortunately, this is not the first time they have faced such heat, as last year also saw record-breaking temperatures leading to deadly wildfires. In Cyprus, the government has issued warnings and fines for anyone caught lighting fires outside in the midst of this scorching weather.
While this type of climate may be unusual for these Mediterranean islands, there are other parts of the world where year-round sun is a regular occurrence. Sandstorms, for example, are common during the hotter months. But there is one country in particular where the heat is so intense that it's almost unbearable. In fact, it's so hot in this particular city that birds have been seen falling dead from the sky, and air conditioning can even be found outside on the streets. We're talking about Kuwait City in the Middle East, which is considered the hottest city on earth with temperatures typically over 50°C. Locals have described the heat as 'uninhabitable' in the summer, and it's not hard to see why.
So, what's it like living in Kuwait City? Well, the heat starts to intensify in May and only gets worse throughout the summer months. The city is made up of mostly concrete buildings, which means it retains the heat. And to make matters worse, the city sees very little rainfall, creating a hot and dry environment. The highest temperature ever recorded in Kuwait was a staggering 54°C at the Mitribah weather station, which is located about 90 minutes outside of Kuwait City. The lack of moisture in the air has also led to increasingly intense sandstorms, making the heat feel even more oppressive.
But how do the three million residents of Kuwait City cope with such high temperatures? They tend to spend most of their time indoors in air-conditioned homes, cars, and offices. And with plenty of indoor shopping malls and even an entire street lined with palm trees, there are plenty of places to escape the heat. Of course, sunscreen and cold showers are a must, but even the cold water can be pretty toasty due to the sun warming up the pipes. The government has even allowed funerals to be held at night instead of during the day to avoid the intense sun. However, animals are not so lucky when it comes to escaping the heat. Locals have reported seeing birds falling dead from the sky and sea creatures 'cooked' by the scorching temperatures.
If you happen to visit Kuwait City during the summer, be sure to check under your car before driving off. Stray cats and dogs often seek refuge in the shade under parked cars to escape the heat. And although the city may seem quiet during the summer months, with many people leaving for cooler destinations, the average temperatures still reach a scorching 45°C. It's no wonder that most Kuwaitis prefer to spend their time indoors during this time of the year.
But what does 50°C+ heat actually feel like? It's hard for those of us who are used to grey and miserable weather to even imagine. People who have experienced it describe it as unbearable and almost impossible to tolerate. Imagine waking up at 7 or 8 in the morning and already being drenched in sweat. And when you go to take a shower, the water is already scorching hot, creating a sauna-like experience. For those working outside in these temperatures, it can be even more challenging. The wind picks up the gritty sand, and combined with the heat, it feels like someone is holding a hairdryer to your face. This can lead to burns and skin damage, making it necessary to cover up with long sleeves and sunglasses.
But the physical effects of extreme heat go beyond just discomfort. According to the World Health Organization, exposure to heat is increasing due to climate change, and this trend will only continue. Extended periods of high temperatures can cause stress on the body and exacerbate health issues such as respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and renal disease. It's not just those with pre-existing conditions who are at risk either. Spending time outside in such high heat can result in heatstroke, headaches, and fainting.
Do you have a story about living in extreme heat? We would love to hear it. Email us to tell us more.
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