Muscat: Oman has ranked among the top 10 hottest locations on Earth over the past 24 hours, according to data from Eldorado Weather, a global weather monitoring platform.
The coastal town of Bidiya recorded a searing 46.3°C, placing it sixth globally, while Al Mudhaibi followed closely with 45.9°C, ranking ninth. These soaring temperatures reflect the intense heatwave currently gripping the Arabian Peninsula and parts of South Asia.
Topping the global list was Bandar-e-Dayyer in Iran, where temperatures reached a blistering 47.4°C. This was followed by the Pakistani cities of Jacobabad and Sibi, both recording highs of 47°C.
The Middle East and South Asia accounted for 11 of the 15 hottest places globally. Iran dominated with five entries, followed by Pakistan (four), Iraq (three), Oman (two), and Saudi Arabia (one), underscoring the widespread nature of the heatwave across the region.
Highlighting the gravity of the situation, Oman’s Ministry of Labour has reminded employers to comply with the mandatory midday break regulation, which comes into force today, June 1. As stipulated under Article 16, Clause 2 of the Occupational Safety and Health Regulations, outdoor work is prohibited between 12:30 pm and 3:30 pm during June, July and August.
The Ministry reaffirmed that the rule applies to all workers operating in open areas, including construction sites and other high-temperature environments. Violators will face strict enforcement measures to ensure worker safety.
As part of its proactive approach, the Ministry recently launched the Safe Summer campaign, aimed at raising awareness among employers and employees about the importance of occupational safety during the hot season. The campaign is spearheaded by the Ministry’s Occupational Safety and Health Department.
A Ministry spokesperson stated, “Every year, from June 1 to August 31, it is strictly prohibited to employ workers in direct sunlight or outdoor areas without adequate shade. This measure is crucial to safeguarding workers from heat-related illnesses and ensuring a safe working environment.”
Although current temperature data does not include year-on-year comparisons, climate experts continue to warn of the growing frequency and severity of heatwaves in the Arabian Peninsula. This trend aligns with global climate change projections, which show that the Middle East is warming at nearly twice the global average rate.
In a stark contrast that illustrates the planet’s climatic extremes, while Iran recorded the hottest temperature at 47.4°C, Antarctica’s Vostok station registered a frigid -70.8°C in the same 24-hour period—a remarkable 118.2°C difference between the hottest and coldest places on Earth.
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