Kuwait Sets Heat Record As Outdoor Work Ban Begins
Kuwait experienced record-breaking temperatures of 51 degrees Celsius in the shade on May 31, setting a new high for the month of May not seen in the past 65 years. This unprecedented heatwave was confirmed by Kuwaiti scientist and meteorologist Adel Al-Saadoun, who attributed the phenomenon to the escalating impacts of climate change and global warming.
“For the last 65 years, this is the first time we’ve registered such a temperature record in May,” Saadoun told Kuwait Times. He also highlighted that April 2024 saw record-breaking temperatures worldwide, marking extremes not observed in over 173 years. “This is due to global warming,” Saadoun emphasized.
In response to these climatic challenges, the Public Authority of Manpower has enacted the annual ban on outdoor labor activities from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm daily from June 1 until the end of August to protect workers from extreme heat. Over the next three months, dedicated teams will conduct surprise inspections at various worksites to ensure compliance and address any infractions through legal channels.
