The National Centre of Meteorology has forecast generally fair weather across the UAE, with temperatures set to rise gradually before dusty and windy conditions develop towards the weekend.

General outlook

Conditions today are expected to remain mostly clear, with some cloud formation over eastern areas in the afternoon.

Temperatures will climb to:

• 40°C to 45°C inland
• Up to 39°C in coastal areas

Humidity could reach 85% along the coast, particularly during the night and early morning.

Winds will be light to moderate, occasionally fresh, with speeds reaching up to 35 km/h.

What to expect in the coming days

Similar weather patterns are expected to continue, with fair to partly cloudy skies across the country.

Winds will gradually shift direction, from north-westerly to south-easterly, and may strengthen at times, especially over the sea.

Weekend changes ahead

By Friday, temperatures are expected to dip slightly, but wind speeds could increase to around 40 km/h, making sea conditions rougher in the Arabian Gulf.

Heading into the weekend, dusty conditions and blowing sand are likely, particularly in exposed areas, as winds pick up further on Saturday and Sunday.

Sea conditions are forecast to be:

• Moderate to rough in the Arabian Gulf
• Slight to moderate in the Oman Sea

According to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), the conditions are linked to weak surface pressure systems combined with an upper-air high-pressure extension, contributing to rising temperatures and shifting wind patterns.

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.