It’s going to be one hot Ramadan.

According to meteorologists in Qatar, “above-normal” temperatures are being forecast here and across the region for the next three months.

The culprit: climate change, according to a senior forecaster at the Qatar Meteorology Department (MET).

Extreme weather conditions are becoming more common as temperatures rise across the globe. This is especially problematic for the Gulf region, which experts said could become unsafe for humans by the end of this century.

Researchers in Qatar have said the nation’s urban areas are particularly susceptible to rapid temperature increases, due to large quantities of heat-absorbing concrete and asphalt.

Ramadan

Though average temperatures are likely to be only 1C higher than usual over the next few months, a hotter summer means a more unpleasant Ramadan for those who will be fasting.

The holiest month for Muslims is expected to begin around June 6, depending on the sighting of the new moon.

Because Ramadan starts in June and ends in July, temperatures will only get hotter as the month progresses.

Additionally, nearly all fasts (which run from dawn until sunset) this year will be about 15 hours long.

Several schools in Qatar have already announced shortened hours for the month, and government hours and businesses will soon establish their own Ramadan timings.

What’s your strategy for surviving the heat and the fasting month? Thoughts?