The world is experiencing an unprecedented heatwave, with the highest global temperatures recorded during the first week of July, making this month the hottest ever, according to the World Meteorological Organization of the United Nations. The Arab region is affected by this heatwave, with Lebanon expected to experience a moderately active heatwave starting tomorrow, Wednesday, originating from the Arabian Gulf. As a result, temperatures are expected to rise above seasonal averages, nearing 40 degrees in the Bekaa Valley.
The Ministry of Environment warned of an "increased fire risk index in the coming days across most Lebanese regions." The Fire Observatory at the University of Balamand indicates that some areas with vegetation, especially in Akkar, Miniyeh-Dinnieh, Batroun, Baabda-Metn, Chouf-Jezine, and Bent Jbail-Nabatiyeh, as well as some inland areas in the Bekaa, will face an elevated fire risk index in the coming days. Municipalities, forestry centers, and nature reserve administrations have been alerted to adhere to preventive measures to protect people and forests.
In Iraq, complaints have intensified regarding frequent power outages in recent days, reaching up to 16 hours daily, exacerbating hardships during the summer months, as the country suffers from severe heat. Meanwhile, the Moroccan meteorological department has warned of increasing risks of forest and brush fires, coinciding with a heatwave that sees temperatures ranging between 44 and 48 degrees Celsius in many regions of the country.
