The summer season in the UAE has officially begun, with temperatures soaring past 49°C last week. However, residents can expect some relief with intermittent rains predicted throughout June.
As the country transitions into ‘astronomical summer’ during the third week of June, temperatures are set to rise further. This period begins with the summer solstice on June 21, marking the longest day of the year in the UAE. According to Dr. Ahmed Habib, a climate expert from the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), “On June 21, the country will experience the longest day of the year. Therefore, the air temperatures increase over most areas of the country. As summer begins, the mean temperatures increase approximately 2-3°C compared to May.”
Currently, the UAE is experiencing the end of the spring season known as ‘Kanat Al Thuraya,’ a period characterized by temperatures breaching the 40°C mark. This season is expected to last until June 7, with typically dry air and lower humidity levels.
Intense Summer Expected in Mid-July
Experts indicate that the most intense summer period in the UAE starts from mid-July and extends through the end of August. During this time, tropical air masses dominate the region, leading to high temperatures and humidity levels that can soar up to 90%. Dust storms originating from the desert may also occur, bringing powerful gusts of wind and swirling clouds of hot sand across cities.
Dr. Habib explained that the UAE’s summer months officially run from June to September, with the season ending astronomically on September 22. The much-celebrated Suhail star, rising in the third week of August, signals the end of peak summer heat, with temperatures gradually decreasing as the country transitions into autumn.
Extended Summers Due to Global Warming
Global warming is causing noticeable shifts in climate patterns. The record rainfall in the UAE on April 16 has led climate experts to predict a warmer and drier climate each year with increased extreme weather events by the end of the 21st century.
Dr. Diana Francis, Senior Research Scientist and Head of the Environmental and Geophysical Sciences (ENGEOS) Lab at Khalifa University, highlighted the impact of global warming on the region. “The summer will be extended (every year) by a few days with an increase in temperature. These were the results of our study on the subject, published in the paper titled, ‘Recent and projected changes in climate patterns in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region’.
As the UAE gears up for an intense summer, residents are advised to take necessary precautions to stay cool and hydrated. With temperatures expected to climb further, the intermittent rains in June offer a much-needed respite, promising some relief from the scorching heat.
