Oman swelters as temperatures edge toward 50°C

Muscat: Oman is witnessing one of its harshest early summer heat spells, with temperatures in several parts of the country soaring close to the 50°C mark. According to data released by Oman’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), Saham recorded the highest temperature in the country over the last 24 hours at a scorching 48.6°C, while several other regions crossed 46°C and 47°C, signaling the intensity of the ongoing heatwave.

Areas including Al Kamil Wal Wafi (47.9°C), Sohar (47.7°C), Fahud (47.4°C), Rustaq (47.3°C), and Dima Wattayeen (47.1°C) experienced severe daytime heat, highlighting how extreme temperatures are affecting both coastal and inland regions. Even Muscat, usually moderated slightly by coastal winds, has not been spared from the intense summer conditions, with residents reporting uncomfortable humidity combined with blistering heat.

The sharp rise in mercury levels has raised concerns over heat-related illnesses, particularly heat exhaustion, dehydration, and sunstroke, prompting authorities to urge residents to take preventive measures. Officials advise people to avoid unnecessary outdoor exposure during peak afternoon hours, stay hydrated, wear light clothing, and avoid leaving children or pets inside parked vehicles even for short periods.

The extreme weather also poses serious risks for thousands of outdoor laborers working across construction sites and industrial areas. In response to the severe summer conditions, Oman’s Ministry of Labour will begin enforcing the annual midday work ban starting tomorrow, prohibiting outdoor work between 12:30 PM and 3:30 PM throughout June, July, and August. The regulation is aimed at protecting workers from dangerous heat stress during the hottest hours of the day and is considered one of the country’s most important seasonal labor safety measures.

Authorities have repeatedly warned employers to strictly comply with the midday break, emphasizing that violations may attract penalties. Health experts meanwhile stress that prolonged exposure to temperatures nearing 50°C can be life-threatening, especially for elderly individuals, children, and people with underlying health conditions.

Oman’s extreme weather comes at a time when large parts of Europe are also experiencing an unusually intense and record-breaking heatwave for this time of year.

Countries including Spain, France, Portugal, Italy, and parts of Central Europe have reported exceptionally high temperatures during May, shattering historical records and raising fresh concerns about climate extremes. In some regions, temperatures climbed to summer-like levels weeks earlier than expected, forcing authorities to issue health warnings and wildfire alerts.

Climate experts say the ongoing European heatwave is being driven by a combination of factors. A persistent high-pressure weather system, often called a “heat dome,” has trapped hot air over much of the continent, preventing cooler air systems from entering. At the same time, unusually warm sea surface temperatures in parts of the Atlantic and Mediterranean are contributing to hotter conditions.

Scientists also point to human-driven climate change as a key reason behind the increasing frequency and severity of such heat events. Rising global temperatures are making heatwaves more intense, longer-lasting, and more likely to occur outside traditional summer months. Experts warn that what was once considered rare extreme weather is increasingly becoming the new normal.

Meteorologists caution that both the Middle East and Europe may continue to witness prolonged spells of extreme temperatures in the coming months, making public awareness and preventive measures more important than ever.