Temperatures in Qatar reached a high of 42C (108F) yesterday, the highest we’ve seen all year.

That means residents should put all thoughts of winter behind them and brace themselves for a searing summer.

🔴highest temperature recorded now 42°C in albatna and turayna, ranging between 35-41°C in different parts of the country.#Qatar

— أرصاد قطر (@qatarweather) May 3, 2016

According to Steff Gaulter, senior meteorologist at Al Jazeera English, temperatures passed the 40C (104F) threshold yesterday for the first time this year.

She added that the general trend will now be for the weather to get “hotter through the months, but some days will be hotter than others.”

The Qatar Meteorology Department forecasts that the temperature will once again hit 42C in Doha today.

Workers

For many in Qatar, the heat is inconvenient because it reduces opportunities to spend time outdoors.

But for several hundred thousand others, including many construction workers here, the uptick in temperatures has a more serious impact.

By law, companies who employ outdoor workers in Qatar are required to give them a break from the heat until the midday work ban takes effect on June 15.

From then until Aug. 31, laborers cannot spend more than five hours working outdoors during the mornings. Companies that flout the rule could be closed for up to one month.

But since it’s still early May, many construction workers can be seen toiling away outdoors.

Thoughts?