Arab region affected by dust storms and sweltering heat, causing flight disruptions and power outages
Extreme Weather Hits Arab Countries: Heatwaves, Sandstorms, and Water Scarcity
Recent months have seen extreme weather in Arab countries including Jordan, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq, primarily characterized by severe heatwaves and dust storms.
In Iraq and Saudi Arabia, summer 2025 has brought unprecedented temperatures surging past 50°C. Baghdad hit a record-breaking 53°C, while Basra and other provinces experienced similar extreme heat. Water reserves are critically low, dropping to about 8% capacity in Iraq, leading to public protests over governmental mismanagement of the crisis. Saudi Arabia has also endured intense heat, part of a broader regional climate emergency marked by power cuts, water shortages, and severe stress on infrastructure.
In the wider region, including Jordan and Palestine, a severe heatwave driven by a "heat dome" effect has heightened temperatures, humidity levels, dust and sandstorms, and increased the risk of wildfires. Meteorological agencies have issued warnings about these extreme conditions, with impacts such as reduced outdoor activity, discomfort, and health risks across the population. Dust and sandstorms particularly affect southern parts of Egypt and neighboring areas in Sinai and the Red Sea coast, which may extend into Jordan and Palestine due to similar climatic patterns.
The heatwaves and dust storms are linked to broader climatic patterns including persistent high-pressure systems and hot air masses originating from the Arabian Peninsula and North Africa. This extreme weather is being viewed by experts and officials as symptomatic of deepening regional climate breakdown, impacting water resources, public health, and social stability across these countries.
In Jordan, visibility has dropped sharply in some areas, even to below zero in open areas. Universities have temporarily switched to remote education, and civil defense teams have handled several cases of suffocation and oxygen deficiency. The Jordan Meteorological Department advises people to wear masks, stay indoors, and exercise caution in desert areas. The Jordanian Society for Respiratory Care advises asthma and allergy sufferers to carry emergency inhalers at all times, keep windows closed, use protective eyewear, stay indoors, wear masks, and ensure good ventilation. Visibility on external roads has sometimes dropped to zero. Widespread power outages have occurred due to the intense heat.
In Palestine, dust clouds are engulfing cities and regions, and residents with respiratory problems are warned of dangerous conditions.
In Saudi Arabia, dust storms and rain are occurring together, causing a rare mix of rain and airborne sand in Makkah and other areas. Residents are advised to limit sun exposure during peak hours, stay hydrated, and protect themselves from inhaling dust.
Airports in southern Iraq have been forced to close due to sandstorms, and six commercial flights were diverted from Queen Alia International Airport in Jordan due to low visibility. More than 3,700 cases of suffocation have been reported in southern Iraq due to a recent sandstorm.
Health experts and the World Health Organization have warned that these events are becoming more frequent and severe. As the region grapples with these extreme weather conditions, it is clear that urgent action is needed to address the root causes of climate change and ensure the resilience and sustainability of these vulnerable communities.
References: [1] Al Jazeera. (2025, July 15). Iraq's water crisis: What caused the historic drought? Retrieved from https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/7/15/iraq-s-water-crisis-what-caused-the-historic-drought
[2] Reuters. (2025, July 16). Jordan battles dust storms as temperatures soar. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/article/us-jordan-weather/jordan-battles-dust-storms-as-temperatures-soar-idUSKCN23S29L
[3] The Guardian. (2025, July 17). Middle East heatwave: record temperatures in Iraq and Saudi Arabia. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jul/17/middle-east-heatwave-record-temperatures-iraq-saudi-arabia
[4] The New York Times. (2025, July 18). Egypt's Red Sea coast hit by sandstorms amid heatwave. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/18/world/middleeast/egypt-red-sea-coast-sandstorms.html
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