Dubai: The UAE is in the grip of another week of scorching summer weather, with the mercury soaring past 48°C in parts of the country. The National Center of Meteorology (NCM) has forecast hot and humid conditions across most regions, with a chance of light morning rain in the eastern parts of the Emirates.
Blazing Temperatures Across the Emirates
On Monday, Al Jazeera B.G. in the Al Dhafra region registered the highest nationwide temperature, a blistering 48.3°C at 3:45 pm.
Elsewhere, both Dubai and Abu Dhabi are bracing for another sweltering day. According to Accuweather, Dubai is expected to see highs of 42°C under partly sunny skies, with nighttime temperatures falling only slightly to 33°C. In Abu Dhabi, conditions will remain mostly sunny and very warm, with daytime highs of 42°C and an overnight low of 32°C under clear to partly cloudy skies.
NCM forecasts indicate maximum temperatures will reach between 41°C and 47°C in the interior, 39°C to 43°C along coastal and island areas, and 30°C to 35°C in mountainous regions.
Clouds and Rain Possibility
While much of the UAE remains hot and dry, the NCM has predicted that northern and eastern areas could see periods of cloud cover, particularly in the morning. There is also a possibility of light rain in these regions.
This chance of showers comes as some parts of the country have experienced sporadic rainfall during the summer months due to cloud seeding operations and natural weather fluctuations.
Humidity Adds to Discomfort
The heat is not the only challenge residents face. Humidity levels are expected to rise during the night and into Wednesday morning, especially along coastal areas. The increased humidity will make conditions feel even warmer and more uncomfortable for those outdoors.
Residents are advised to take precautions such as staying hydrated, avoiding direct sunlight during peak hours, and wearing light, breathable clothing.
Winds and Sea Conditions
According to the forecast, winds will remain light to moderate, blowing from the southeast to northeast at speeds between 10 to 25 km/h, occasionally gusting up to 35 km/h. These winds may bring some relief but can also stir up dusty conditions in exposed areas.
Sea conditions are expected to remain slight in both the Arabian Gulf and the Oman Sea, making it relatively safe for maritime activities, though authorities recommend caution during midday heat.
Safety Reminders
With the extreme heat continuing, health experts stress the importance of protecting against heat-related illnesses such as dehydration, heat exhaustion, and sunstroke. Vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, and outdoor workers, are particularly at risk.
The Ministry of Health has consistently advised residents to limit outdoor exposure during midday hours, typically between 12 pm and 4 pm, and to use sunscreen when necessary. Employers are also reminded of the UAE’s midday work break rules, which prohibit outdoor labor during the hottest hours of the day.