These Are the World’s Absolute Hottest Inhabited Places

In the year 2023, the world experienced an unprecedented heat wave that resulted in the hottest month ever recorded. This heat wave affected Europe, North America, and Asia, and over 6.5 billion people, which is approximately 81% of the global population, had to endure extreme temperatures. To assess the impact of the heat wave, CEOWORLD magazine compared high temperatures as of August 21, 2023, with data from July 2022. On that day, the hottest places were located in Iraq and Iran, with temperatures reaching 121.8°F. Interestingly, Kuwait, which shares a border with Iraq, had nine cities that experienced scorching temperatures.

Kuwait has a history of enduring extreme heat, exemplified by the Mitribah weather station recording 129.2°F on July 21, 2016—one of the highest temperatures ever documented. The escalating frequency of such extreme temperatures globally, driven by human-induced climate change, poses severe consequences. The Middle East, in particular, faces potential disasters like flash floods, sandstorms, and mudslides, displacing communities and rendering regions uninhabitable. In the scorching landscapes of the Arabian Peninsula, several locations have witnessed extraordinary temperature extremes, pushing the boundaries of heat records. Let’s explore some of the hottest spots and their recent and historical temperature milestones.

1. Basrah-Hussen, Iraq

• • • Max Temp (Aug 21, 2023): 120.9°F
    • Max Temp (Jul 20, 2022): 124.5°F
    • Record High:129.0°F (Jul 22, 2016)

2. Amarah, Iraq

• • • Max Temp (Aug 21, 2023): 120.2°
    • Max Temp (Jul 20, 2022): 123.8°F
    • Record High: 127.4°F (Jul 31, 2020)

3. Semawa, Iraq

• • • Max Temp (Aug 21, 2023): 120.2°F
    • Max Temp (Jul 20, 2022): 121.3°F
    • Record High: N/A

4. Abadan, Iran

• • • Max Temp (Aug 21, 2023): 119.3°F
    • Max Temp (Jul 20, 2022): 122.2°F
    • Record High: 126.0°F (Jun 21, 2022)

5. Basrah Int. Airport, Iraq

• • • Max Temp (Aug 21, 2023): 118.9°F
    • Max Temp (Jul 20, 2022): 123.8°F
    • Record High:129.0°F (Jul 22, 2016)

6. Kuwait International Airport, Kuwait

• • • Max Temp (Aug 21, 2023): 116.9°F
    • Max Temp (Jul 20, 2022): 122.7°F
    • Record High: 125.8°F (Jul 30, 2020)

7. Jahra, Kuwait

• • • Max Temp (Aug 21, 2023):114.8°F
    • Max Temp (Jul 20, 2022):124.9°F
    • Record High:128.3°F (Jul 1, 2021)

8. Al-Wafra, Kuwait

• • • Max Temp (Aug 21, 2023): 113.0°F
    • Max Temp (Jul 20, 2022): 124.0°F
    • Record High: 125.2°F (Jul 31, 2012)

9. Sulaibiya, Kuwait

• • • Max Temp (Aug 21, 2023): 113.0°F
    • Max Temp (Jul 20, 2022): 124.0°F
    • Record High: 128.5°F (Jul 31, 2012)

10. Rabyah, Kuwait

• • • Max Temp (Aug 21, 2023): 112.0°F
    • Max Temp (Jul 20, 2022): 122.2°F
    • Record High: 124.9°F (Jul 6, 2018)

11. Abdaly, Kuwait

• • • Max Temp (Aug 21, 2023): 111.2°F
    • Max Temp (Jul 20, 2022): 123.8°F
    • Record High: 127.0°F (Jul 16, 2010)

12. Fao, Iraq

• • • Max Temp (Aug 21, 2023): 110.8°F
    • Max Temp (Jul 20, 2022): 122.0°F
    • Record High: 129.0°F (Jul 22, 2016, in Basra ~65 miles inland)

13. Kuwait City, Kuwait

• • • Max Temp (Aug 21, 2023): 105.8°F
    • Max Temp (Jul 20, 2022): 122.9°F
    • Record High: 125.8°F (Jul 31, 2012)

14. Nawasib, Kuwait

• • • Max Temp (Aug 21, 2023): 105.8°F
    • Max Temp (Jul 20, 2022): 122.0°F
    • Record High: 127.8°F (Jun 22, 2021)

15. Sabriyah, Kuwait

• • • Max Temp (Aug 21, 2023): 105.7°F
    • Max Temp (Jul 20, 2022): 122.5°F
    • Record High: 126.3°F (Jul 30, 2020)

These records underscore the intense heat experienced in this region, highlighting the challenging climate conditions these areas endure. Globally, the repercussions of these heat waves include heightened droughts leading to reduced crop yields and extensive livestock mortality. Moreover, the soaring temperatures contribute to uncontrollable wildfires, releasing additional carbon into the atmosphere. This alarming scenario underscores the urgent need for comprehensive measures to address climate change’s impacts on both human societies and the environment.

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