The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is feeling the heat early this year, with temperatures already exceeding a scorching 50°C (122°F) just ahead of peak summer.
This week, the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) recorded the hottest temperature so far at 50.3°C (122.5°F) in Um Azimul (Al Ain). Social media wasn’t far behind, with Emirati photographer Rashid Aziz capturing a video displaying an even hotter 50.6°C (123°F) in Al Shawamekh, Abu Dhabi.
While these scorching temperatures are grabbing headlines, it’s important to remember this is just a taste of what’s to come. The most intense heat typically arrives in mid-July and lasts through August, bringing with it not only scorching temperatures but also potentially stifling humidity reaching 90% or dust storms sweeping in from the desert.
Residents are already feeling the heat’s impact, with many experiencing days hovering around 49-50°C (120-122°F) over the past few days. The summer solstice on June 21st coincided with a high of 49.9°C (121.8°F) recorded in Mezaira (Al Dhafra region).
With rising temperatures, doctors are urging residents to take precautions to avoid heatstroke and heat exhaustion. Staying hydrated, avoiding direct sunlight, and limiting outdoor activity during midday are crucial.
The UAE government is also taking action to protect workers during the hottest part of the day. From June 15 to September 15, a midday break prohibits working outdoors between 12:30pm and 3:00pm. Additionally, the government and private sectors have collaborated to establish over 6,000 shaded rest areas equipped with cooling and water for delivery drivers during this break period.
Last year, the UAE witnessed its hottest day on record in August, with temperatures reaching a staggering 50.8°C (123.4°F) in Owtaid (Al Dhafra Region). This year’s early heatwave is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by extreme temperatures, as evidenced by the tragic heatwave during Haj 2024, which claimed over 1,000 lives with temperatures reaching as high as 51.8°C (125°F).
The UAE’s scorching temperatures are part of a larger trend of intense heatwaves plaguing various regions worldwide.
