Summer in Bahrain can be a season of contrasts, with long, sun-filled days and school holidays bringing delight, but also extreme heat that tests both physical and mental resilience. This year, temperatures have already started soaring in the weeks leading up to the official start of summer. As the sun reached its peak yesterday, Bahrainis are preparing for a season that will push their endurance to the limit.
The official start of summer in Bahrain began yesterday, with temperatures reaching a scorching 46 degrees centigrade (114 F), exceeding the forecasted 45 degrees. Humidity levels have also been on the rise, surpassing 80% and expected to climb further, reaching over 85% in the coming days. The high temperatures are predicted to continue rising, with Sunday’s forecasted high of 45 degrees centigrade.
According to astronomy researcher Mohammed Redha Al-Asfour, summer is the longest season in the Northern Hemisphere, lasting 93 days, 15 hours, and 52 minutes. Yesterday marked the astronomical peak of summer, with the longest day and shortest night of the year. Daylight hours will gradually decrease from this point onwards, while the Southern Hemisphere experiences the peak of winter with the shortest day and longest night.
Experts attribute much of the extreme heat in Bahrain to climate change, with El Niño also playing a role. Over 290 million people in the Middle East and North Africa are expected to endure extreme heat this year, exacerbated by human-induced climate change. Water scarcity and drought are posing severe challenges, particularly in agriculture, in the region.
Recent studies have found that the Middle East has been hit the hardest by a rise in global heatwave deaths over the past three decades. The impact of climate change is evident in the extreme temperatures and conditions experienced during the summer months. Climate experts warn that the situation is likely to worsen unless swift action is taken to address issues such as desertification and water scarcity.
