Yemen Swelters Under Extreme Heat and Blackouts, Homes Become 'Ovens'

Yemen is enduring a severe heatwave as temperatures soar above 40°C, turning homes into “ovens.” Extended power outages are adding to the suffering of millions across the war-torn nation.

With authorities struggling to boost electricity supply, residents have no escape from the oppressive heat and humidity blanketing much of southern, eastern, and western Yemen. This is deepening the humanitarian crisis in the poorest Arab country.

Residents of coastal cities like Mukalla and Aden, controlled by the internationally recognized government, report that prolonged blackouts are disrupting businesses, ruining daily life, causing sleep deprivation, and exacerbating health issues.

“Power is cut for eight hours and restored for only two,” said Saddam Al-Jamlani, a resident of Aden.

The Houthi-controlled northern region is no exception, with people suffering similar heat and frequent outages.

Growing frustration is raising fears of unrest in a nation still struggling to recover from over a decade of conflict that has devastated nearly every aspect of life.

The Years-Long Crisis

For more than a decade, Yemen has been mired in a war between Houthi forces and the Saudi-backed, internationally recognized government. The conflict has killed and injured thousands, displaced millions, and destroyed much of the country's infrastructure, including the power sector.

The collapse of public services and a worsening economic crisis have repeatedly stoked public anger. In recent years, violent protests over prolonged blackouts and poor living conditions have left many dead and wounded. Rival political factions have also exploited public frustration to rally support against opponents.

Earlier this year, shortly after Yemeni forces led by a Saudi-led coalition pushed the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC) out of several southern provinces, Riyadh announced an $81.2 million package to buy over 300 million liters of fuel from the local market to run dozens of power plants across Yemen.

The Saudi intervention in January, during cooler months with lower electricity demand, helped many plants run continuously and gave residents of cities like Aden nearly uninterrupted power for the first time in years. However, as summer heat and humidity rose, the power situation deteriorated again.

On May 27, Saudi Arabia announced another $150 million support package to purchase oil products for power plants in government-controlled areas. Yet residents and business owners say the aid has not yet brought significant improvement in electricity supply to many affected cities.

Businesses Struggle

The severe summer blackouts have also paralyzed businesses, forcing some shops to close early, while others grapple with spoiled goods and fewer customers as people avoid going out in the heat.

Muhanad Salem, an auto repair shop worker in Mukalla, said frequent power cuts render equipment unusable, forcing workers to stop or spend money on generators that often break down and need repairs.

“The long power cuts have affected our work,” Salem said, wiping sweat from his face. “We only turn on the generator when absolutely necessary, and even then, it sometimes fails and requires maintenance.”

Omer Baesa, a fish seller in Mukalla, said the prolonged blackouts force him to buy ice from the local market to preserve his catch, but some still spoils due to inadequate cooling.

Power Grid on the Brink

Yemen's newly appointed Electricity Minister, Adnan al-Kaf, blamed the collapse of power services in government-controlled areas on aging and dilapidated plants, years of neglect, delays in importing critical spare parts, high costs from private suppliers, weak revenue collection, and inflated staffing.

“I would be lying if I told them (the people) to expect a cool summer. I don't want to make empty promises,” al-Kaf said on state television in April when asked if Yemenis could expect better power services during the summer months. “The current situation is catastrophic, and this summer will be difficult.”

Blackouts in Houthi-Controlled Areas

In Houthi-controlled areas, residents say the power situation is equally dire. Many households now rely almost entirely on solar energy, as grid electricity remains absent for long periods.

The situation has further worsened after Israeli airstrikes hit infrastructure in Houthi-controlled areas, including power facilities in the capital Sanaa and the western city of Hodeidah.

In Hodeidah, known for its oppressive heat and high humidity, residents recently expressed outrage after receiving skyrocketing electricity bills despite frequent cuts. Many have taken to social media to vent their frustration.

Ali Omar, a Hodeidah resident, posted a video complaining that his electricity bill had jumped from under 3,000 riyals ($5.6) to 19,000 riyals ($35.6), even though his family uses solar power during the day.

“This cannot be my bill. It must be someone else's,” he said in the video. “How can you charge me 19,000 riyals when I use solar power during the day?”