Beirut, Lebanon (Enmaeya News) — Lebanon will fall under the grip of a powerful heatwave starting Thursday afternoon, with dangerously high temperatures expected to last through next week, raising concerns over public health, wildfire risk and climate preparedness.

Local forecasts show coastal areas, including Beirut, will see temperatures between 36°C and 39°C. Interior and northern regions, including the Bekaa Valley, are expected to exceed 43°C in the coming days. The extreme heat is being driven by a hot air mass moving in from the Arabian Peninsula and is forecast to intensify through the weekend.

The Lebanese Civil Defense and public health authorities have issued warnings, urging residents to stay hydrated, avoid outdoor activities during peak hours, and monitor for symptoms of heat exhaustion and dehydration — especially among the elderly, young children and outdoor workers.

Local media described the upcoming weather as a "fiery siege," part of a broader trend of climate extremes affecting Lebanon and much of the Mediterranean. Experts warn of longer summers, declining rainfall and a rise in the frequency and severity of heat events linked to climate change.

With the country facing one of its driest seasons in recent memory, officials and environmental advocates say the heatwave underscores the urgent need for stronger climate adaptation policies, improved urban infrastructure and disaster preparedness to protect communities and ecosystems.