UAE weather: Temperatures soar to 49.5 degrees C, light rain offers brief respite

Residents and visitors are advised to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, and seek shelter during peak heat hours

by Marisha Singh

June 19, 2024

Image credit: Getty Images

Residents across the UAE are facing scorching temperatures, with the mercury climbing to nearly 50 degrees C on Tuesday. According to the National Center of Meteorology (NCM), the highest temperature recorded was an extreme 49.5 degrees C in Sweihan, located in Al Ain, at 2:45 PM on Tuesday, June 18.

Other areas of the country also experienced significant heat, with temperatures ranging between 47 degrees C and 48 degrees C by Tuesday evening.

#أعلى_درجة_حرارة سجلت على الدولة هذا اليوم 49.5 درجة مئوية في سويحان (العين) الساعة 14:45 بالتوقيت المحلي لدولة الإمارات.#The_highest_temperature recorded over the country today is 49.5 degrees C in Sweihan (Al Ain) at 14:45 UAE Local time. pic.twitter.com/XJHM23IPzW

— المركز الوطني للأرصاد (@ncmuae) June 18, 2024

NCM’s weather update

The NCM reports that while the skies over the UAE remain mostly sunny, some regions are experiencing partly cloudy conditions. The high temperatures are accompanied by significant humidity levels, expected to peak at around 80 per cent.

For those near the coasts, the sea conditions are relatively calm, being slight to moderate at times in the Arabian Gulf and consistently slight in the Oman Sea.

#NCM #UAE #officialuaeweather #weatherforecast #seastate #windspeed #winddirection #rain #fog pic.twitter.com/y5FPI3nFZX

— المركز الوطني للأرصاد (@ncmuae) June 18, 2024

Unexpected rain in Dubai

In a surprising turn, a slight drizzle was observed in Jumeirah, Dubai early Wednesday morning.

The light rain provided a brief respite from the intense heat. The Storm Centre shared videos on X (formerly Twitter), showing light droplets falling on car windshields and over the sea, bringing a momentary coolness to the scorching day.

Other parts of the UAE such as Ras Al Khaimah and Al Ain had witnessed light rain on Tuesday morning.

#أمطار_الخير#المركز_الوطني_للأرصاد
#Rain#NCM pic.twitter.com/FffSUlo5vW

— المركز الوطني للأرصاد (@ncmuae) June 17, 2024

Upcoming weather conditions

The weather forecast for Wednesday, June 19 predicts cloudy and warm conditions across the UAE.

Temperatures are expected to remain high, with maximums potentially reaching up to 49 degrees C.

However, lower temperatures are expected in some regions, with Abu Dhabi experiencing lows of 32 degrees C, Dubai at 31 degrees C, and mountainous areas dropping to around 21 degrees C.

Fluctuating humidity and wind conditions

Humidity levels will vary widely across the emirates, reaching up to 55 per cent in Abu Dhabi and up to 70 per cent in Dubai.

As night falls and Wednesday morning approaches, there is an increased likelihood of mist formation over coastal areas due to rising humidity levels, as per the NCM forecast.

Winds will be light to moderate, blowing from the northwest to southeast, occasionally freshening and causing blowing dust during the daytime.

Wind speeds are expected to range from 10 to 25 kilometres per hour, with gusts reaching up to 40 kilometres per hour.

Sea conditions

For those near the coast or planning to venture out to sea, the conditions will remain slight in both the Arabian Gulf and the Oman Sea, ensuring manageable and relatively calm seas during this period of intense heat.

Staying safe in the heat

Residents and visitors are advised to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, and seek shelter during peak heat hours.

It is crucial to take precautions against heat-related illnesses during these extreme weather conditions.

Read: Saudi Arabia warns of a hot Hajj this year with temperatures reaching 48 degrees C