Average temperatures in Bahrain last month were the highest recorded during June since 1902, local media reported. Much of the Middle East experienced heatwaves that scientists said were worsened by climate change and set to stay for the foreseeable future. The average temperature for June in Bahrain was 36.3°C, almost four degrees higher than in the same month last year, graphs released by the country’s official forecaster showed. Maximum temperatures averaged 40.9°C, 4.5°C more than in June 2018 and the highest since 1946. For more than 20 days last month, the temperatures rose to 40°C or above. The lowest temperature was clocked at 29.7°C at Bahrain International Airport. The average humidity was 41 per cent while the maximum humidity was 64 per cent. The highest temperature ever recorded in Bahrain was 46.6°C The Middle East’s heatwave has intensified in the past few weeks, and the death of an outdoor worker in Kuwait was linked to the high temperatures. Countries across the region sought to lessen the impact on their populations. Among the countries hardest hit was Iraq, where electricity production in the summer only meets half of the demand. In Baghdad, businesses have been opening and closing later than usual. Omani authorities banned work from noon to 3pm for construction workers and the UAE’s summer midday break for outdoor workers came into effect last month.