KUWAIT CITY, Aug 15: The electricity load index has once again approached the critical orange zone, registering 16,681 megawatts due to the soaring temperatures, which ranged between 48-50 degrees Celsius today. This extreme heat has led to a significant increase in electricity consumption, particularly during peak periods. In response, sources within the Ministry of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy have emphasized the continued importance of energy conservation across all residential sectors. They stressed the necessity of setting cooling devices to 23 degrees Celsius, rather than 18, to help curb the excessive electricity consumption by cooling systems, which account for 70 percent of energy production. It is also noteworthy that the highest electricity load recorded by the index this summer was 17,360 megawatts on July 13.

Meanwhile, Kuwait’s Meteorological Department has forecast very hot daytime temperatures and warm nights throughout the weekend. According to Abdulaziz Al-Qarawi, the Director of the Meteorological Department, the country is experiencing the effects of an extension of the Indian seasonal depression. This is bringing very hot and relatively humid air masses, particularly over coastal areas, with light to moderate northwesterly and variable winds. On Thursday, daytime temperatures are expected to peak between 48 and 50 degrees Celsius, with light to moderate variable winds shifting to northwesterly, at speeds of 10 to 28 kilometers per hour. The sea is anticipated to be light to moderate, with waves ranging from 1 to 3 feet.

As for Thursday night, conditions will remain warm and relatively humid in coastal areas, with winds continuing to be light to moderate. The minimum temperature is expected to hover between 30 and 33 degrees Celsius, with similar sea conditions. Friday will bring similar weather, with temperatures again reaching between 48 and 50 degrees Celsius during the day. Winds will be northwesterly to variable, at speeds of 12 to 35 kilometers per hour.

The sea will see waves between 2 and 5 feet. Nighttime on Friday will remain hot, with temperatures between 30 and 33 degrees Celsius, and light to moderate northwesterly to variable winds. The sea conditions will remain consistent. Saturday is expected to be very hot, with temperatures potentially reaching up to 51 degrees Celsius in coastal areas.

Winds will continue to be light to moderate, shifting between northwesterly and variable at speeds of 12 to 35 kilometers per hour. The sea will have waves between 2 and 5 feet. Saturday night will continue to be warm, particularly in coastal areas, with temperatures ranging between 31 and 33 degrees Celsius. Winds will be light to moderate, and sea conditions will remain stable with waves between 1 and 3 feet.

By Mohammad Ghanem
Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff and Agencies