The UAE is entering a weather transition period this May, with temperatures gradually rising as the country moves from spring towards summer, according to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM).

Longer daylight hours and the sun’s northward movement mean warmer conditions across most parts of the country, with average temperatures expected to climb steadily through the month.

While the heat builds, shifting weather systems may still bring occasional cloud cover and slight chances of rain, particularly when influenced by upper-level atmospheric conditions.

Humidity is expected to ease slightly compared to April, especially in the second half of May. However, early morning fog or mist may still occur in some areas during the first half of the month before gradually decreasing.

Hotter days ahead

For residents and expats, May marks the start of hotter days and fewer cool mornings, with weather becoming more stable as summer approaches. It’s also a time when conditions can briefly vary, with occasional clouds or reduced visibility in the mornings.

May weather outlook

• Average temperature: 30.6°C to 33.6°C
• Average highs: 37.3°C to 40.7°C
• Average lows: 24.3°C to 26.8°C
• Record high: 51.6°C in Sweihan (2025)
• Record low: 9.0°C in Jebel Jais (2005)
• Average wind speed: 13 km/h
• Strongest recorded winds: 117.2 km/h at Jabal Mebreh
• Average humidity: 39%
• Fog patterns: More common early in the month, decreasing later
• Highest recorded rainfall: 134.4 mm in Al Fali (1981)

Residents across the UAE can expect a warm and slightly hazy few days ahead, as the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) forecasts fair to partly cloudy skies, rising temperatures, and dusty winds continuing through the weekend.

According to the latest update, Wednesday’s weather will bring light to moderate winds, occasionally picking up and causing blowing dust. Temperatures are set to climb, with highs reaching up to 44°C, a reminder that summer conditions are fast approaching.

For many expats adjusting to seasonal changes in the UAE, this period often signals the shift towards hotter, more indoor-focused routines, whether that’s planning early morning outings or opting for evening gatherings instead.

The NCM attributes the current conditions to weak surface pressure systems combined with an upper-level high-pressure extension, contributing to stable but warmer weather across the country.

Looking ahead to Thursday and Friday, similar conditions are expected, with north-easterly to north-westerly winds reaching speeds of up to 40 km/h. These winds may continue to stir up dust, reducing visibility at times, especially in exposed areas.

Sea conditions will also vary over the coming days. The Arabian Gulf is expected to be slight to moderate, turning rough at times offshore, while the Oman Sea will remain mostly slight, with occasional moderate conditions.

As the weekend approaches, Saturday and Sunday will remain generally fair, though dusty conditions are likely to persist. Sea states will continue to fluctuate, ranging from slight to moderate, with intermittent rough conditions offshore.

For residents planning beach trips or outdoor activities, it may be worth keeping an eye on updates and choosing calmer periods, particularly in the mornings or later evenings.

The UAE is already seeing a taste of summer, with temperatures climbing to 40°C in April, well above the usual seasonal range.

Typically, April temperatures hover between 32°C and 36°C, making this early spike unusual. But despite the rising heat, summer hasn’t fully arrived yet.

The country is currently in the Sarrayat season, a transitional period between spring and summer. This phase, which runs until early May, is known for sudden weather changes, including brief rain, strong winds, and dust storms.

Residents across the country can expect partly cloudy to cloudy skies on April 21, with dusty conditions at times, according to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM).

There is also a chance of light rain over some coastal areas and islands, along with a slight drop in temperatures, especially in western coastal regions.

Winds will be light to moderate, shifting from southeasterly to northwesterly and northeasterly directions. At times, they may strengthen, reaching speeds of up to 40 km/h, causing dust to blow and reducing visibility in some areas.

Sea conditions will be slight to moderate, becoming rough at times in the Arabian Gulf, particularly toward the west, while remaining slight in the Oman Sea.

City temperatures today:

• Dubai: High 35°C-Low 26°C
• Abu Dhabi: High 36°C-Low 26°C
• Sharjah: High 34°C-Low 22°C

Overall, the UAE continues to experience mixed spring weather, with dust, clouds, and occasional rain ahead of the hotter summer months. For now, the country remains in a transition phase, where heat and rain can occur on the same day, before the full intensity of summer sets in.