Kuwait faces heatwave as temperatures soar to 52°C in peak summer stretch

Meteorologists warn of 13-day Jamrat Al Qayz period marking the most intense summer heat

Last updated: July 30, 2025 | 09:36

Khitam Al Amir, Chief News Editor

1 MIN READ

The peak of the Arabian Peninsula’s summer heat will continue until August 10.

AFP

Dubai: Kuwait entered what meteorologists say is the hottest stretch of the year on Tuesday, a 13-day period when temperatures are expected to soar as high as 52°C in some parts of the country, the Arabic daily Al Seyassah reported.

The country’s Meteorological Centre and the Al Ojairi Scientific Centre have warned that the extreme heat is part of a seasonal phase known locally as “Jamrat Al Qayz” — literally, “the fire of summer” — or “Al Mirzam.” The period, which marks the peak of the Arabian Peninsula’s summer heat, will continue until August10.

In a statement, the meteorological centre said the Al Mirzam phase signals the most intense stretch of the summer, after which the season gradually transitions into “Al Kulaibin,” known for its oppressive humidity, and later into “Suhail”, when conditions begin to ease.

The centres noted that the period takes its name from the star Al Mirzam, astronomically known as Sirius, the brightest star in the night sky. It is also the time when date palm harvesting begins, an annual marker of the region’s deep summer.

Khitam Al AmirChief News Editor

With over 30 years of journalistic experience spanning from Jordan to the UAE, Khitam has spent the past 22 years reporting on national and regional news from Dubai, with a strong focus on the UAE, GCC and broader Arab affairs. As Chief News Editor, she brings extensive expertise in delivering breaking and engaging news to readers. Beginning her tenure as a translator, she advanced through roles as Senior Translator and Chief Translator before transitioning to editorial positions, culminating in her current leadership role. Her responsibilities encompass monitoring breaking news across the UAE and the broader Arab region, ensuring timely and accurate dissemination to the public. Born into a family of journalists, Khitam's passion for news was ignited early in life. A defining moment in her youth occurred in September 1985 when she had the opportunity to converse with the late British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher during her visit to a Palestinian refugee camp north of Amman. During this encounter, Khitam shared her family's experiences of displacement from their home in Palestine and their subsequent refuge in Jordan. This poignant interaction not only deepened her understanding of geopolitical issues but also solidified her commitment to pursuing a career in journalism, aiming to shed light on the stories of those affected by regional conflicts. Khitam’s commitment to accurate and timely reporting drives her to seek out news that interests readers, making her a trusted source for news on the UAE and the broader Gulf region.