UAE weather stays scorching as temperatures touch 50°C after Suhail rises
Humidity could keep conditions feeling uncomfortable across several parts
ABU DHABI – The United Arab Emirates (UAE) recorded a temperature of 50°C on Saturday, just five days after the Suhail star appeared in the night sky, traditionally regarded as a sign that the hottest period of summer is beginning to ease.
The reading was recorded at Bada Dafas in the Al Dhafra region at 2.30pm, making it the highest temperature recorded in the country that day. Despite the seasonal significance of Suhail, experts say residents should not expect temperatures to drop sharply in the immediate future.
The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) had forecast hot conditions across the UAE, with temperatures expected to reach 49°C in some areas of Mezaira. The latest reading was around one degree below the country's highest temperature recorded so far this year.
Heat persists
The 50°C reading follows another exceptionally hot spell earlier this month. On August 14, Bada Dafas recorded 50.4°C at 2pm, making it the highest temperature in the country that day.
The year's highest temperature was recorded on August 5, when the mercury reached 51.2°C at Bada Dafas in Al Dhafra at 12.45pm UAE time, according to the NCM. The UAE first crossed the 50°C mark this year on August 1, when Al Shawamekh in Abu Dhabi recorded the temperature.
The arrival of Suhail on August 24 traditionally marks a seasonal transition towards cooler weather. However, Ibrahim Al Jarwan, chairman of the Emirates Astronomy Society, said temperatures would take time to ease. Even as readings gradually decline, higher humidity could continue to make conditions feel particularly uncomfortable, with residents potentially experiencing a stronger sensation of heat despite lower thermometer readings.
Sunday forecast
For Sunday, August 30, the NCM expects fair to partly cloudy conditions across the UAE. Weather will become humid at night and on Monday morning over some western areas, with a probability of fog or mist formation.
Humidity is forecast to range between 10 and 75 percent in Abu Dhabi, 20 and 65 percent in Dubai, and 15 and 70 percent in Sharjah.
Temperatures will remain high, reaching up to 49°C in some areas. Abu Dhabi is forecast to record a maximum of 46°C and a minimum of 30°C, while Dubai could reach 43°C, with temperatures falling to 31°C overnight. Sharjah is expected to see highs of 43°C and lows of 29°C.
Winds will be light to moderate, blowing from southeast to northeast, and may strengthen at times. Blowing dust is possible with gusts reaching 35kmph, while speeds are generally expected to range between 10 and 25kmph.
The sea is expected to remain slight in both the Arabian Gulf and the Oman Sea.
Residents are advised to drink water regularly, limit direct exposure to sunlight during the hottest hours, wear loose-fitting lightweight clothing and reduce the intensity and duration of physical activity in the heat. Drivers are also advised to check vehicles regularly during summer, including tyre pressure.