Dubai: Thinking of heading to the beach tonight? You may want to rethink those plans. Although temperatures are easing after a week of 47°C highs inland, rising humidity and rough sea conditions could make coastal outings less enjoyable, and potentially unsafe.
Dust and fog ahead
The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) forecasts the weather to be fair in general today, with low clouds appearing over eastern areas. Light to moderate winds may cause blowing dust and sand westward, when reaching speeds of up to 40km/h. The NCM cautions motorists and pedestrians to limit exposure in such areas, and to drive safely, due to reduced horizontal visibility in hazy conditions.
Avoid the beach today
The NCM has also issued a ‘Rough Sea’ advisory, cautioning tourists and residents about strong winds and churning waters in the Arabian Gulf until 8pm today. While sea conditions will remain slight to moderate in the morning, they will turn rough by the afternoon, with wave heights rising to seven feet offshore.
NCM’s cautionary notice has highlighted the zone as yellow, which is categorised as ‘Be aware’, and cautious when at the beach. Because of the probability of higher waves and unstable sea conditions, it is best to avoid the beach today, if you’re in the western region of the country, such as Dubai or Abu Dhabi.
The eastern shores of the country will remain much calmer, with slight conditions and gentle waves of two to three feet in the Sea of Oman.
Slight dip in temperature
Today, coastal areas will see highs ranging from 36°C to 41°C, while inland regions can expect temperatures between 39°C and 44°C. Dubai and Abu Dhabi’s temperatures are holding steady since yesterday, at 39°C, while Sharjah is slightly warmer at 40°C. Al Ain is among the hottest parts of the country, at 42°C.
Here is the complete breakdown of minimum and maximum temperatures across the Emirates today:
Maximum Temp (°C) Minimum Temp (°C)
Dubai 39°C 28°C
Abu Dhabi 39°C 37°C
Al Ain 42°C 29°C
Sharjah 40°C 29°C
Ajman 36°C 29°C
Fujairah 37°C 31°C
Ras Al Khaimah 41°C 29°C
Umm Al Quwain 37°C 26°C
Liwa 39°C 26°C