Heatwaves and Public Health: Understanding the Rising Threat of Extreme Heat Events

Abstract

Heat waves are an escalating public health threat in the Gulf region, driven by climate change and rapid urbanization. This review examines the rising frequency, intensity, and duration of extreme heat events in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, highlighting their severe health impacts, particularly on vulnerable populations such as migrant laborers, the elderly, children, and individuals with chronic illnesses. The region has experienced significant warming, with temperatures rising approximately 0.5-0.6°C per decade, exacerbating urban heat island (UHI) effects and creating microclimates that amplify heat stress. Projections under high-emission scenarios suggest temperature increases of 4.1-5.8°C by the late 21^st century, potentially rendering parts of the region uninhabitable. Extreme heat directly impacts health, causing heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and exacerbating cardiovascular, respiratory, and renal diseases. Epidemiological data from GCC especially Kuwait and Saudi Arabia reveal spikes in hospitalizations and mortality during heat waves, with migrant workers facing disproportionate risks due to occupational exposure. The UHI effect, compounded by dense infrastructure and limited green spaces, further intensifies health risks. Despite adaptation measures like midday work bans and urban cooling initiatives, policy gaps persist in health surveillance, labor protections, and urban planning. This review underscores the urgent need for comprehensive heat-health action plans, stricter enforcement of labor regulations, and sustainable urban design to mitigate heat impacts. Future research should focus on high-resolution exposure assessments, interdisciplinary climate-health modeling, and targeted interventions for at-risk groups. Addressing these challenges is critical to safeguarding public health as the Gulf region faces unprecedented warming, ensuring resilience against the growing threat of extreme heat events.