Bahrain face hottest July since 1902

Manama : This year's July has gone on record as the hottest July ever experienced in Bahrain since 1902, announced the Meteorological Directorate, Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunication.

The mean temperature of the month was 36.0 C. This is 2.1 C above the long-term normal. This is same as July 2012.

The mean maximum temperature of the month was 39.8 C. This goes on record as the eight highest mean maximum temperatures for July since 1946. This is the same as July 1987, 1990 and 2007 and exceeded by July 2002 which was 41.4 C, July 2000 which was 41.3 C, July 2004 which was 40.8 C, July 1996, 2008 and 2012 which was 40.5 C, July 2015 which was 40.2 C, July 2010 which was 40.1 C and July 1998, 2001 and 2006 which was 40.0 C.

The highest temperature recorded in the month was 43.4 C set on the 20thJuly at Bahrain International Airport. But recorded 47.4 C on the 15thJuly at Sitra Island.

During the month Bahrain had 14 days with maximum temperature which exceeded 40 C.

The mean minimum temperature of the month was 33.2 C. This goes on record as the highest mean minimum temperature for July since 1946. The old record was 32.7 C in July 2014.

The lowest temperature recorded was 30.8 C set on the 18thJuly at Bahrain International Airport. But recorded 28.1 C on the 6th July at Durrat Al Bahrain.

The mean relative humidity for July was 51%. The mean maximum relative humidity for the month was 67% and the mean minimum relative humidity for July was 33%.

July 2016 was the fifth sunniest month for all July’s since the sunshine records began in 1968. The total hour of sunshine for the month was 365.1 hours and exceeded by July 1974 which was 377.8 hours, July 2014 which was 376.0 hours, July 2013 which was 366.6 hours and July 2012 which was 365.2 hours.

The seasonal shamal known locally (Al-Barreh) continue affecting the kingdom till the 17thJuly followed by easterly winds which brought hot and humid weather to the Kingdom till the end of the month.

Shamal winds accounted 45% of the observation with gusts reached 32 knots on the 2ndJuly at the Bahrain International Airport. But recorded 37 knots on the 10thJuly at Durrat Al Bahrain.

Dust haze reported on the 24thJuly. Visibility dropped to 1500 meters at Bahrain International Airport.