+51.2°C in Iran, +51°C in Iraq

The Middle East is currently enduring a brutal and escalating heatwave, with temperatures soaring above 50°C across Iraq and Iran, and record-breaking nighttime warmth offering no relief. The latest reports show 51.2°C in Iran and 50–51°C in Iraq, as the region braces for even hotter conditions in the coming days, with forecasts of up to 53°C and nighttime lows near 40°C in some desert areas.

In the last days, Iraq recorded extreme daytime highs peaking at 51°C, with several locations not dropping below 35–36°C during the night. Tel Afar registered a minimum of 34.2°C, while Tikrit stayed as warm as 33.4°C through the early morning hours — both among the highest nighttime lows ever observed in Iraq’s climate records. These are not just uncomfortable but potentially life-threatening temperatures, particularly for the elderly and those without reliable access to cooling.

In Iran, the mercury climbed to 51.2°C, with parts of Khuzestan and Ilam provinces enduring relentless sun, dry air, and ground-level heating well into the evening hours. Similar oppressive warmth is building across Kuwait, eastern Syria, and parts of Saudi Arabia, as a powerful and expansive subtropical ridge entrenches itself over the region.

What makes this event particularly dangerous is the combination of exceptionally high daytime peaks and record-breaking minimum temperatures. Nights above 35–38°C disrupt sleep, increase dehydration risk, and can lead to cumulative heat stress in vulnerable populations. In densely populated urban areas like Baghdad and Basra (in Basra, +50.7°C and in Baghdad +48.2°C was measured on July 13), the urban heat island effect is compounding the situation, trapping heat overnight.

And worse may be yet to come. Forecasts for the coming days indicate widespread 50–53°C highs across the Mesopotamian basin, with nighttime temperatures in southern Iraq, western Iran, and eastern Saudi Arabia possibly remaining above 38–40°C, which would be among the hottest nights ever recorded on Earth.

Authorities are urging people to stay indoors, limit physical exertion, and remain hydrated, as power grids are strained and the risk of heat-related illnesses and fatalities rises dramatically. Livestock, agriculture, and infrastructure are also under pressure, with water supplies and cooling systems pushed to their limits.

This event is yet another example of how climate extremes are amplifying across traditionally hot regions. The Middle East has always been prone to intense summer heat, but the persistence and extremity of recent events are increasing in both frequency and intensity, threatening the habitability of some regions without adaptive measures.

Illustration picture: https://www.constructionweekonline.com/business/article-16856-go-ahead-for-102m-residential-community-in-basra