NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) have released independent analyses that both assert that 2016 was the warmest year on record since modern documenting began in 1880. 

Globally-averaged temperatures were found to be 0.99 degrees Celsius higher, which makes 2016 the third year in a row to set a new record for global average surface temperatures.

But, what does that mean for regional temperatures? We turned to The New York Times interactive chart to find out. 

The graph takes its info from AccuWeather and is determined using the averages of the highs and lows for each day from 1981 to 2010.

So, how much warmer was your city in 2016?

Beirut, Lebanon

Temperatures are up by 1.5 degrees Celsius. Precipitation is down by 9″. 

Dubai, UAE

Temperatures are up by 2.4 degrees Celsius. Precipitation is down by 2.7″. 

Abu Dhabi, UAE

Temperatures are up by 1.8 degrees Celsius. Precipitation is down by 2.9″. 

Cairo, Egypt

Temperatures are up by 2.3 degrees Celsius. Precipitation is up by 3.5″. 

Amman, Jordan

Temperatures are up by 1.7 degrees Celsius. Precipitation stands at 15.1″. 


Jeddah, KSA

Temperatures are up by 2.1 degrees Celsius. Precipitation is down by 2″. 


Casablanca, Morocco

Temperatures are up by 1.9 degrees Celsius. Precipitation is down by 4.1″. 

Kairouan, Tunisia

Temperatures are up by 2 degrees Celsius. Precipitation stands at 43.7″.


Antakya, Turkey

Temperatures are up by 2.6 degrees Celsius. Precipitation stands at 25.1″. 


The Middle East is extremely vulnerable to climate change. Temperatures are expected to climb high enough to render the region uninhabitable by 2050, a study published by the Institute for Chemistry and the Cyprus Institute in Nicosia found.

Perhaps, this is why oil rich nations like the UAE and Saudi Arabia are investing in renewable energy sources. 

But, will other countries follow suit before its too late? For now, that doesn't appear to be a likely scenario.