The United Arab Emirates are bracing for another hot summer heat in the UAE with temperatures expected to reach 49°C in some inland parts of the country and mild cooling and rain later this week.
As the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) forecasts, the hottest conditions will continue to be seen in the interior regions of the country and major cities such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Al Ain will continue to experience very hot daytime temperatures accompanied by high humidity and dusty conditions.
Extreme heat and humidity will likely make outdoor conditions even more uncomfortable.
Inland temperatures could be 48°C to 49°C and coastal areas can expect highs between 42°C and 46°C, according to weather forecasts. Overnight temperatures may be warm (29°C to 35°C) but little relief from the heat in the day.
The current weather pattern is driven by a seasonal low-pressure system that dominates the Arabian Peninsula during the peak summer months. Such systems are very common in July and can produce prolonged periods of intense sunshine, dry conditions and high temperatures in the UAE.
Despite the heat, weather forecasters are forecasting a slight change in the weather of the week. Temperatures will drop a couple of degrees as cloud cover over eastern and southern parts of the country gradually increases. The NCM has also forecast the formation of convective clouds over mountainous areas, especially in the eastern Emirates.
These clouds could bring light to moderate rainfall in small areas, especially in the afternoon and evening hours. While there will not be more widespread rain in the extreme heat, some of the clouds could bring light to moderate rainfall in areas where the heat is affecting the areas, but a good deal of rain would be light to moderate rain could be brought on in some areas of the country during the afternoon and evening hours.
When the heat is particularly hot, people are advised to take precautions. Health officials recommend staying indoors during the hottest hours of the day from noon to 4 p.m, drinking lots of water, wearing light clothing, and avoiding exposure to direct sunlight. Outdoor workers and those who do physical activity should work during cooler parts of the day when possible.
Humidity levels are expected to be high especially in coastal areas at night and early morning. There could be mist or fog in some places, and depending on the weather, visibility may be reduced for road users. Drivers should be alert and ready to react when fog starts to set in and be careful if fog is to develop.
They would like to remind residents to check the weather reports of the National Centre of Meteorology, as local weather can change quickly in summer. The weather advisory for thunderstorms or rainfall should be heeded for those going to the mountain areas; travelers should also watch for weather advisories for thunderstorms.
July is one of the hottest months in the UAE, with temperatures frequently exceeding 45°C. Although the forecast cooler spell will provide some relief, temperatures will still be well above seasonal comfort levels.
For now, residents should prepare for a few more days of extreme heat conditions in the very hot weather before slightly milder temperatures and rain chances offer a brief respite from the heat wave.
