Kuwait recorded the world's highest temperature on Friday, with the Mataraba weather station registering a scorching 49°C. Meteorologist Fahad Al Otaibi highlighted afforestation as the fastest and most effective method to reduce temperatures in Kuwait's harsh desert climate, where blocking sunlight or dust isn't feasible.

He explained that planting trees along residential streets and sidewalks could lower temperatures by 3 to 8 degrees Celsius and significantly reduce dust levels. Al Otaibi pointed out that most dust affecting Kuwait comes from the north and southwest. "The growing vegetation cover is critical to addressing the increasingly harsh summer conditions," he noted.

Al Otaibi emphasized that green spaces not only help mitigate extreme heat but also offer economic benefits, such as reducing costs associated with clearing sand from sandstorms. He called for afforestation to be prioritized in the planning of new residential areas to combat desertification and sand encroachment.