A graphic showing temperatures on Thursday Credit: The Telegraph

A graphic showing temperatures on Thursday
Credit: The Telegraph

‘That was one of the most incredible temperature observations I have ever seen and it is one of the most extreme readings ever in the world,’ said AccuWeather meteorologist Anthony Saglia.

It is just a few degrees lower than the highest ever recorded heat index, which was 178F (81C) in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia on July 8, 2003.

In neigbouring countries such as Iraq the government has urged residents to drink plenty of water and stay out of the sun amid fears they could be struck down by what experts refer to as a “heat dome” rampaging across the Middle East.

The dome – a type of high pressure ridge that is passing over the region – has exacerbated electricity and water supply issues and makes the scorching heat even more unbearable.

In the south residents have cranked up the air conditioning as high as it will go, while the more lucky among them have escaped to nearby beaches in […]

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