A powerful heatwave is gripping eight Arab countries this week, with meteorological agencies warning of extreme temperatures, high humidity, and increased fire risks.
The scorching temperatures are a result of a phenomenon known as the heat dome, which results from a combination of high-pressure systems and hot air masses originating from the Arabian Peninsula and North Africa.
Experts anticipate relief by Friday or Saturday, when temperatures should begin to drop gradually across the affected areas. Until then, the severe weather conditions are expected to persist, causing discomfort and heightened dangers of fire and death.
Here's a closer look at how the heatwave is playing out across the region:
Egypt
Egypt's Meteorological Authority said the country was facing extremely hot weather across most regions, with winds in the south likely to stir sand and dust in parts of Sinai and the Red Sea governorate.
Temperatures in the Greater Cairo area are expected to exceed 40°C, with a heat index of 43°C, while Upper Egypt could see highs of 46°C in the shade and a heat index of 47°C.
Officials linked the heatwave to the combined effect of the seasonal Indian monsoon low and the Sudan low, which are pushing hot air from the Arabian Peninsula and North Africa. A gradual drop in temperatures is forecast from Saturday.
Iraq
The Iraqi Meteorological Organisation has forecast dust storms and soaring temperatures of 49 to 50°C in nine provinces, including Muthanna, Basra, and Karbala.
On Monday, Baghdad, Babil, Karbala, Najaf, and Dhi Qar were all expected to hit 50°C, while Muthanna was predicted to reach 51°C.
Jordan
Jordan’s Meteorological Department reported that the kingdom had remained hot and dusty on Monday, with intense heat in most regions and slightly lower but still hot conditions in the highlands.
Syria
The Syrian Meteorological Directorate warned that extreme heat would continue in most areas through Wednesday.
It advised people to avoid starting fires in agricultural areas, to stay out of direct sunlight during peak hours, and to store flammable materials away from the sun. The country's coastal area was hit by wildfires last month.
Lebanon
Lebanon's Weather Service said hot and humid air masses will persist until at least Friday, with temperatures in mountainous and inland areas around 10°C higher than seasonal norms.
High humidity along the coast will intensify heat stress. The Beirut Fire Department urged residents to follow safety measures, reduce electrical loads, switch off unnecessary appliances, and remove flammable items from around generators to prevent fire hazards.
Bahrain
Bahrain's Meteorological Directorate said the weather would remain hot and humid with occasional clouds.
Qatar
Qatar's Meteorology Department reported that the country would see hot to very hot weather, with some cloud cover.
Kuwait
Kuwait's Meteorological Department warned of hot conditions, with fog also expected in some areas.