Weather

UAE sizzles: Country records hottest August day in 9 years at 51.8°C

Published

5 months ago

August 8, 2025

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The UAE is officially feeling the heat, quite literally. The country witnessed one of its hottest days in recent times when Sweihan in Al Ain scorched its way into the record books, clocking in at a blistering 51.8°C on the first day of this month, making it the hottest August day in the past nine years, according to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM).

This new high overtakes the previous August temperature record of 51.4°C, set in Mezaira back in 2017, a sign of rising temperatures across the region.

So, what’s going on with the weather?

August is typically one of the UAE’s hottest months, and this year is no exception. The intense heat is being fuelled by thermal low-pressure systems as the Indian monsoons play a major role in pushing up temperatures across the country.

And if you’ve noticed some unexpected thunderstorms in some parts of the country lately? That’s partly due to the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), a band near the equator that stirs up convective rainy clouds and brings bursts of unstable weather during the first half of August.

Breezy, but boiling

Wind patterns add their twist to the mix. During this period, you’ll often feel the breeze blowing across in the evenings and early mornings. Occasionally, residents may also experience blowing dust, as northwesterly winds as capable of kicking up suspended dust in exposed areas.

Humidity-wise, things are sticky too. The mean relative humidity for August is 47 per cent, with sultry mornings and evenings. Maximum humidity can reach between 63 and 80 per cent, while the minimum can hover around 17 to 32 per cent, which explains those sweaty sunrise walks and steamy evening commutes.

A look at the numbers

Here’s a quick snapshot of August weather stats, according to the NCM:

Average air temperature: 34.7°C to 36.5°C
Average maximum temperature: 40.9°C to 43.2°C
Average minimum temperature: 29.3°C to 31°C

Third-warmest July globally

Last month was Earth’s third-warmest July since records began and included a record national temperature in Turkey of 50.5 degrees Celsius, scientists said. According to the EU’s Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S), the average global surface air temperature reached 16.68 C in July, which is 0.45 C above the 1991-2020 average for the month.

Related Topics:hottestaugust hottestmonth NCM Sweihan uae weather uaesummer weatheralert

Michael Gomes

With over 35 years of experience in journalism, copywriting, and PR, Michael Gomes is a seasoned media professional deeply rooted in the UAE’s print and digital landscape.

Weather

Unsettled weather in UAE: Country to see rain, strong winds and rough seas this week

Published

12 hours ago

January 19, 2026

Michael Gomes

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If you’re heading out this week, keep an eye on the sky. Weather conditions across the UAE are set to stay unsettled through midweek, with fluctuating cloud cover, light rain, strengthening winds and increasingly rough seas, according to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM).

Today, skies will be partly cloudy to cloudy at times, especially over coastal and northern areas, where light rain may fall. Temperatures are expected to rise gradually, while southeasterly to northeasterly winds will blow at light to moderate speeds, picking up occasionally. Sea conditions are forecast to remain slight in both the Arabian Gulf and the Sea of Oman.

Tuesday will bring similar conditions, with cloudy spells and a chance of light morning rain in coastal and northern regions. Humidity is expected to increase overnight and into Wednesday morning, raising the risk of fog or mist, particularly in inland areas. Winds will shift from south-westerly to north-westerly and strengthen by night, with seas turning from slight to moderate and rough.

Conditions are expected to worsen on Wednesday, as temperatures drop and north-westerly winds intensify. The NCM has warned of blowing dust and sand, which could reduce visibility, with wind speeds reaching up to 55km/h. Seas are forecast to be rough to very rough in the Arabian Gulf and rough in the Sea of Oman.

By Thursday, skies will remain partly cloudy to cloudy at times, with humid conditions returning overnight into early Friday, increasing the chance of fog or mist in some western inland and coastal areas. Winds will stay moderate to fresh, occasionally stirring up dust and sand, while sea conditions remain moderate to rough.

The NCM has advised residents, especially motorists and those heading out to sea, to exercise caution, as fog, dust and strong winds could impact visibility and safety throughout the week.

Weather

UAE braces for unsettled winter weather over the coming days

Published

4 days ago

January 15, 2026

Michael Gomes

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If you’re heading out over the next few days, expect a proper winter shake-up across the UAE. The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has forecast unsettled weather from Thursday through Monday, January 19, with cooler temperatures, strong winds, dusty conditions, possible rainfall, and rough seas, especially in the Arabian Gulf.

What to expect day by day

It will be humid in some coastal and northern regions on Thursday. There’s a chance of rain, alongside a noticeable drop in temperatures, particularly in the western parts of the country. Winds may strengthen, especially over the sea.

On Friday, conditions will turn dusty and partly cloudy. Temperatures are expected to fall significantly, while strong winds could cause blowing dust. Sea conditions in the Arabian Gulf are forecast to be very rough.

Saturday will remain partly cloudy, with moderate to fresh winds and rough seas continuing.

By Sunday, humidity will increase in the morning, with a chance of mist inland and partly cloudy to cloudy skies at times. Sea conditions may become rough intermittently.

On Monday, expect humid morning conditions with a chance of fog or mist inland, partly cloudy to cloudy skies over coastal and northern areas, a chance of rainfall, and a gradual rise in temperatures.

Stay safe

NCM has urged residents to stay updated with official forecasts and to exercise caution, particularly during dusty conditions and when heading out to sea.

Weather

UAE weather: Red alert for fog issued across parts of the country

Published

6 days ago

January 13, 2026

Michael Gomes

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If you’re heading out early in the morning, you might want to slow things down as the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has issued a weather warning for thick fog expected to form across several parts of the UAE.

According to NCM, visibility could drop to near zero at times, especially in some coastal and inland areas. The foggy conditions are expected to last until 10:00 am this morning.

Humidity levels will rise at night and into Wednesday morning, increasing the chance of fog or mist in some coastal and internal areas.

Motorists are urged to take extra caution on the roads, stick to speed limits, and follow all traffic safety instructions due to low visibility conditions, especially late at night and early morning hours.

As for the rest of the day, the weather will be fair to partly cloudy across the country. Temperatures are expected to hit 25°C in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai, with overnight lows of around 15°C in Abu Dhabi and 17°C in Dubai.

Winds will be light to moderate, blowing from the southeasterly to northeasterly direction at speeds of 10 to 25 km/h, occasionally picking up to 35 km/h.

Sea conditions will remain slight in both the Arabian Gulf and the Oman Sea.

In a message shared on social media, Abu Dhabi Police confirmed that the maximum speed limit on roads is reduced to 80 km/h during fog. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to electronic information boards, which display updated speed limits based on weather conditions.