KUWAIT: A gradual rise in temperatures is expected across Kuwait starting Friday, with highs reaching up to 52°C by Monday, according to Acting Director of the Meteorological Department, Dhirar Al-Ali. Speaking to KUNA on Thursday, Al-Ali said that weather maps and numerical models indicate the country will be affected by an extension of a surface low-pressure system, accompanied by a hot and humid air mass and southeasterly winds. Thursday’s high was expected to reach around 44°C.

Beginning Friday, the low-pressure system is forecast to deepen gradually, with winds shifting to northwesterly. As a result, temperatures will rise, with Friday’s high expected to reach 48°C. Al-Ali confirmed that the upward trend in temperatures will continue through the weekend, with highs expected to hit 50°C at Kuwait International Airport on Saturday, 51°C on Sunday and peaking at 52°C on Monday. He warned of extremely hot daytime conditions and warm to hot nights, advising the public to avoid direct sun exposure during peak hours and to stay hydrated to prevent dehydration.

The meteorological department also forecast Kuwait will remain under the influence of the Indian monsoon low-pressure system through the weekend, bringing hot and humid weather. Winds will be variable to southeasterly, light to moderate in speed, with the low-pressure system gradually intensifying and winds shifting to dry northwesterlies by Friday.

Thursday daytime conditions were hot and humid, particularly along coastal areas, with variable to southeasterly winds at 6-28 km/h. Highs ranged between 44°C and 32°C, with sea conditions expected to be light to moderate at 1-3 feet. Thursday night was forecast to be warm and humid, with southeasterly to variable winds at 6-26 km/h, and lows between 30°C and 27°C. Sea conditions were expected to remain light to moderate.

Friday daytime will bring extreme heat and relatively high humidity in coastal areas. Winds will gradually shift to northwesterly at 8-28 km/h, and highs will range between 47°C and 49°C. The sea will remain light to moderate with waves of 1-3 feet. Friday night will be hot to warm, with northwesterly winds at 8-30 km/h. Lows will range between 31°C and 28°C.

Saturday’s weather will be extremely hot with northwesterly to variable winds at 8-32 km/h. Highs are expected to range between 49°C and 51°C. Sea conditions will remain light to moderate at 1-4 feet. Saturday night will remain hot to warm, with similar wind speeds and directions. Lows will range between 31°C and 28°C, and sea conditions will stay light to moderate. – KUNA