Dubai: If the air feels heavy, and your clothes are sticking to your skin, it’s because humidity is at its peak today, across the UAE.
According to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), temperatures have dropped slightly to the low-40s today, as humidity levels spike across the UAE. The weather will be fair in general, and partly cloudy at times, especially towards the east and north of the country.
Mercury in the low 40s as humidity rises
Coastal areas and islands are expected to peak between 35°C and 40°C, while internal areas will reach 40°C to 45°C. Among the major cities, Dubai will peak at 39°C, Abu Dhabi and Ajman are forecast to reach 40°C, while Sharjah will hold steady at 41°C.
The NCM forecasts humidity to increase by night time and on Thursday morning by up to 90% in coastal and internal areas. If you are out and about or driving your vehicle early tomorrow, watch out for fog or mist formation, as it can cause visibility to drop.
Blowing dust
While the evening may be hot and sticky, day time conditions may be dusty. Light to moderate winds, blowing from the southwest to northwest at speeds of 10 to 20km/h, may freshen at times and increase to 40km/h today.
The NCM cautions residents and visitors to be aware of winds stirring up dust, especially over western parts of the country. The dust may also reduce visibility in open or exposed areas around the city, and in desert regions, so drive carefully and limit dust exposure when you can, if you’re out in these locations.
Rough seas in the west
Like yesterday, stronger winds are turning the Arabian Gulf from moderate to rough today, especially along the western coast. The NCM reports that wave heights on-shore are expected to reach three feet, while off-shore waves may reach six feet. It’s best to avoid beach activities today, if you are based along the western coastline, in cities like Dubai or Abu Dhabi.
The eastern coast, however, will see calmer seas, according to the NCM. The Sea of Oman will remain slight throughout the day, and see gentle waves rising to a maximum of two feet on-shore and three feet off-shore.
Here is the complete breakdown of minimum and maximum temperatures across the Emirates today:
Maximum Temp (°C) Minimum Temp (°C)
Dubai 39°C 31°C
Abu Dhabi 40°C 30°C
Al Ain 43°C 30°C
Sharjah 41°C 31°C
Ajman 40°C 31°C
Fujairah 39°C 33°C
Ras Al Khaimah 43°C 29°C
Umm Al Quwain 42°C 29°C
Liwa 43°C 29°C