As climate change intensifies, the planet is getting hotter—and some places are already blistering hot all year round. These regions regularly experience scorching temperatures above 45°C (113°F) and are known for their harsh, dry, and sometimes deadly heat. Let’s explore the hottest cities and countries where summer feels like living inside an oven.
🌍 1. Kuwait City, Kuwait
- Peak Temperature: 54.0°C (129.2°F)
- Why So Hot: Located in the Middle East desert, Kuwait gets intense sun exposure, minimal rain, and high humidity from the Persian Gulf.
- Extreme Fact: In 2016, Kuwait recorded one of the highest temperatures ever on Earth.
🏜️ 2. Ahvaz, Iran
- Peak Temperature: 53.7°C (128.7°F)
- Climate: Dry, desert-like, with hot winds and frequent sandstorms.
- Interesting: It’s one of the most polluted and hottest cities, making life extremely difficult in summer.
☀️ 3. Basra, Iraq
- Peak Temperature: 53.9°C (129°F)
- Features: Long summers, very little shade, and a severe heatwave season from June to August.
- Issue: People often suffer heatstroke and dehydration due to lack of reliable cooling systems.
🏖️ 4. Death Valley, USA (California)
- Peak Temperature: 56.7°C (134°F) – World Record in 1913
- Why So Famous: It’s not a city, but Furnace Creek inside Death Valley holds the highest temperature ever recorded on Earth.
- Climate: Hot, dry, and nearly uninhabitable in summer.
🔥 5. Turbat, Pakistan
- Peak Temperature: 53.5°C (128.3°F)
- Heat Traits: A desert town with minimal vegetation and intense heatwaves.
- Daily Life: Locals often work at night or early morning to avoid the deadly daytime heat.
🏙️ 6. Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Peak Temperature: 50°C (122°F)
- Urban Heat: As a major city in the desert, Riyadh’s buildings and roads trap heat, making the city feel even hotter.
- Cooling Challenge: Air conditioning is a lifeline but adds to energy consumption and climate issues.
🌡️ 7. Doha, Qatar
- Peak Temperature: 50°C+
- Climate Combo: Hot desert temperatures mixed with humid Gulf air make this city dangerously warm.
- Survival: The city has even air-conditioned outdoor shopping malls and bus stops.
🌞 8. Phoenix, USA (Arizona)
- Peak Temperature: 48.9°C (120°F)
- Urban Heat Island: Asphalt and glass structures trap heat, making it one of the hottest major cities in the U.S.
- 2023 Record: Phoenix experienced 31 straight days over 110°F (43.3°C) — the longest ever streak.
🏜️ 9. Jazan, Saudi Arabia
- Unique Heat: While not the hottest in numbers, it’s extremely humid and hot year-round, creating a suffocating feel.
- Feels Like: 45°C heat with 80% humidity often feels like 60°C (140°F) to the human body.
⚠️ What Makes These Places So Hot?
- Latitude: Most are located near the Tropic of Cancer, where the sun hits more directly.
- Desert Terrain: Lacks vegetation, water, and clouds—leading to unfiltered solar radiation.
- Urbanization: Concrete and asphalt increase local temperatures (urban heat islands).
- Climate Change: Global warming is pushing these already hot places to record-breaking extremes.
💀 How Dangerous Is This Heat?
Extreme heat can cause:
- Heatstroke and dehydration
- Power outages from high AC demand
- Increased risk of wildfires
- Death, especially among the elderly and outdoor workers
🌐 List of Hottest Countries (Overall Average Summer Temps)
| Country | Avg Summer Temp (°C) | Climate Type |
|---|---|---|
| Kuwait | 47°C | Desert |
| Iraq | 45°C | Arid/Desert |
| Saudi Arabia | 44°C | Desert |
| Iran | 43°C | Arid/Continental |
| Pakistan | 42°C | Desert/Steppe |
| UAE | 41°C | Desert |
| Sudan | 40°C | Semi-Arid |
| Oman | 40°C | Desert/Mountainous |
🧊 Final Thoughts
In these extremely hot cities and countries, heat isn’t just a seasonal discomfort—it’s a way of life. With the world warming up more each year, understanding and adapting to extreme temperatures will be crucial for the future. These places offer a preview of what many other parts of the world might experience soon.
