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28 March 2024

UAE temperatures to hover close to 49°C

Scientists point out that some outdoor activities such as Haj could literally become life-threatening due to the climactic conditions in the Gulf region (Shutterstock)

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By Sneha May Francis

Saturday will be partly cloudy over the eastern and southern areas.

NCMS forecasts maximum temperatures in internal areas to hover between 45 and 49 degree Celsius.

The relative humidity will increase during night and early morning time over coastal areas touching 95 per cent.
 

 

EARLIER REPORT: Hot winds blow up dust and sand; visibility troublesome

The scorching heat wave that saw the Mercury hits highs of 50.7 degrees Celsius on Wednesday is reaching the final phase in intensity, according to the country’s weather bureau.

The UAE’s National Center for Meteorology and Seismology (NCMS) has forecasted a drop of nearly four degrees in the corresponding days, with the Mercury leveling out by Friday, with an average of 45 degrees Celsius by Friday and Saturday.

Speaking to ‘Emirates 24/7’, a spokesperson with the NCMS stated: “The past 48 hours have been intense for the UAE weather, with Tuesday and Wednesday temperatures crossing the 50-degree mark.

“By 2pm on Wednesday, the Mercury had hit highs of 50.7 degrees Celsius in Sweihan, with the lowest average recorded as 24.1 degrees Celsius at 6am in Al Sha’ab, northwest of Al Ain city.”

By Thursday, the sizzling temperatures are expected to gradually decline, with the NCMS further stating: “The coastal areas areas should experience a gradual drop of nearly four degrees to average out near 45-46 degrees Celsius.

“Come later in the day and this drop in Mercury should be experienced by all of UAE.”

However, the relief for UAE residents will be shortlived, as the NCMS also forecasts a spike in the humidity levels by evening, bringing with it mist and fog by Thursday late night, which will continue to hang over much of the western part of the country on Friday morning.

The NCMS further reiterated, such sizzling weather was normal for the UAE, when compared to past monthly averages, with the spokesperson adding: “As is custom, winter and summer are considered stable weather periods, however, the end of May and the first half of June is the transitional time for seasons to change, which causes sudden changes in weather.

“Coupled with this is a hot air mass that has blown in from south of the UAE, bringing more heat to this area; in this part of the world, the weather average for this period is approximately 48 degree Celsius, give or take a few degrees.”

As the weather stabilises in terms of Mercury, the hot winds will continue to blow up dust and sand over open areas, which could hinder visibility.

The NCMS added: “The difference in temperatures on land and at sea can vary nearly 15 degrees Celsius, with this large gap developing a pressure system that can make landfall with wind speeds up to 40 kilometres per hour.

“Due to this, we are also warning people of rough waters in the Oman Sea for Thursday, with the Arabian Gulf also turning rough by evening.”

Come Friday and a marine forecast will mark both water bodies as rough, with waves cresting as high as six feet.

On Saturday, the hot winds should also slow down further, with the weather pattern to sustain itself, averaging in the mid-forties.


EARLIER REPORTS: Mercury continues to hover around 50ºC in UAE

The weather is likely to remain hot, with highs wavering between 49 degree Celsius and 50 degree Celsius.

Temperature will slip to lows of 30 degree Celsius in interior regions.

NMCS warns “blowing dust over exposed internal areas, may reduce horizontal visibility at times” on Thursday.

Since Mercury is set to rise, it’s important to take a few steps to protect ourselves from the scorching heat.

“You can suffer from heat stroke even if you are under a shade,” highlighted an official at the Met department.

NCMS has listed out a few “safety tips” on their official facebook page.

“Try not to exercise during the hottest parts of the day. Early mornings or evenings are better,” read an update.

And, “Humidity impairs your body’s ability to sweat and cool itself. Always stay hydrated.”
 

 Mercury touches 50 degrees Celsius in UAE

With the temperature going from ‘hot to very hot,’ the Meteorological Department announced that the UAE touched 50 degree Celsius on Tuesday.

Talking to Emirates24|7, the National Centre for Meteorology and Seismology (NCMS) said it recorded the first 50 degree Celsius of the year.

"It touched 50.5 degree Celsius and lasted for around half-an-hour in Swaihan in Abu Dhabi," their spokesperson said. "It's the highest temperature recorded in 2015."

He explained that the temperature will remain between 49-50 degree Celsius.

The Met department added the temperature will continue to be hot over the next few days.

"It could possibly touch 50 degree Celsius tomorrow (Wednesday)."

There are chances of mist or fog formation on Wednesday morning along Abu Dhabi towards the western region.

The NMCS forecast read, "Hot to very hot weather and partly cloudy at times over some areas.

"The relative humidity will increase during night and early morning over some western coastal areas."

On Thursday, NCMS forecasts "partly cloudy and hazy weather".

The spokesperson added, "It will be hot and dusty. Sea will be moderate in the Arabian Gulf and will gradually turn rough in the Sea of Oman.”

Friday will continue to be hazy, with "rising sand and dust".