July this year goes on record as the hottest July ever experienced in Bahrain since 1902, said a report.

The mean temperature of the month was 36.9°C which is 3.0°C above the long-term normal and goes on record as the highest mean monthly temperature for July since 1902 and broke the old record of 36.0°C recorded in July 2012 and 2016, said a BNA report citing a monthly weather summary released by the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications’ Meteorological Directorate.

The mean maximum temperature of the month was 42.1°C which is 4.1°C above the long-term normal and goes on record as the highest mean maximum temperature for July since 1946 with the old record being 41.4°C recorded in July 2002.

The highest temperature recorded during the month was 46.0°C - the fifth highest maximum temperature for July since 1946, said the report.

The highest temperature during the month at Durrat Al Bahrain was 46.9°C which was recorded on July 18.

Hot and humid weather dominated the entire Gulf region, including Bahrain, from July 3 until the end of the month due to the collapse of seasonal Shamal winds (locally known as Al-Barreh) and was replaced by humid easterly to northeasterly winds.

During the month, Bahrain experienced 22 days with maximum temperatures exceeding 40°C - the highest number of days with maximum temperatures exceeding 40°C during the month of July since 1946.

Haze also affected the kingdom on July 8 and 9, which reduced visibility to 3,000 metres at the airport.