Research Reports
The Arabian Peninsula is expected to face extreme heat this summer, with forecasts predicting record-breaking temperatures across the Gulf, including Makkah and Madinah during the Hajj season (Basit Khan, NYU Abu Dhabi, 2025). According to the WHO, heatwaves pose serious risks to human health, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations such as the elderly, children, and outdoor workers. Recent global data shows a worrying rise in temperatures, with March and April 2025 among the hottest on record (Berkeley Earth & NOAA, as cited in NYU Abu Dhabi, 2025). Seasonal forecasts from institutions like the International Research Institute for Climate and Society suggest a high probability of temperatures exceeding the 70th and 80th percentiles across the region (IRI, as cited in NYU Abu Dhabi, 2025). Authorities and individuals are urged to take preventive measures, especially during Hajj, to mitigate health risks and ensure community safety.
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