Middle East Swelters Through Searing Heatwave

An extreme heatwave sweeping across the Middlle East is producing near-record temperatures and has sparked protests over unreliable electricity supplies.

The maximum temperature in the Iraqi capital of Baghdad has peaked at more than 40 degrees Celsius every day for more than a month, and is forecast to stay that way for the foreseeable future.

On several occasions, the mercury has soared to 50 degrees Celsius.

In the country's south west, the Mahshahr Airport recorded a 'feels like' temperature of 73 Celsius (164 Fahrenheit) last week, according to The Weather Channel.

"That was one of the most incredible temperature observations I have ever seen, and it is one of the most extreme readings ever in the world," AccuWeather meteorologist Anthony Sagliani said in a statement.

Even for a region that is accustomed to extreme heat, the conditions have proved unbearable for many.

Over the weekend, Iraqis took to the streets to protest against power cuts during the heatwave and to demand a solution to the country's long-running electricity supply problems.

The government had already announced a snap four-day weekend to help residents cope with the sweltering conditions.

The forecast for the Levant, the Arabian Peninsula and Iraq is for the very hot weather to continue, with temperatures in Basrah expected to reach close to 50 degrees Celsius again.