Weather

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

Published

10 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

Dusty skies and strong winds expected across the UAE this week

Published

2 days ago

May 20, 2026

Michael Gomes

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After weeks of changing weather patterns across the United Arab Emirates, residents may want to keep sunglasses, light jackets and perhaps even face masks close by again.

According to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), the country is expected to experience generally fair weather over the coming days, but dusty conditions and active winds are likely to make regular appearances through the weekend.

The forecast from Wednesday until Sunday points to a familiar mix of sunshine, blowing dust and rough sea conditions, especially across exposed areas and coastal routes.

Winds picking up again

While skies are expected to remain mostly clear, winds could freshen at times and reach speeds of up to 40km/h, particularly during the daytime.

That means:

Dust and sand could blow across open roads
Visibility may briefly reduce in some areas
Outdoor conditions could feel noticeably harsher despite fair skies

The weather authority said conditions may fluctuate slightly day by day, with temperatures rising midweek before easing again by the weekend.

A week of changing conditions

Wednesday and Friday are expected to bring slightly warmer temperatures alongside dusty daytime conditions, while Thursday and Saturday may feel a little cooler with stronger winds returning.

By Sunday, conditions are forecast to become partly cloudy in some eastern areas, with low clouds expected to appear at times.

Rough seas expected

Sea conditions are also expected to shift throughout the week across both the Arabian Gulf and the Oman Sea.

The NCM warned that waters could become rough on several days, especially in the Arabian Gulf, before calming slightly later in the weekend.

What residents may experience

For many people across the UAE, the biggest impact will likely be due to gusty winds. Dusty conditions can often arrive quickly, particularly in open desert areas and highways, while sea conditions may affect smaller boats and beach activities.

Weather

UAE to see dusty winds, blowing sand and temperature fluctuations until May 19

Published

1 week ago

May 15, 2026

Michael Gomes

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The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has forecast generally stable but dusty weather conditions across the UAE from Friday until May 19, with fluctuating temperatures, active winds and blowing dust expected in several areas.

According to the forecast, residents can expect periods of dusty weather accompanied by fresh winds reaching up to 40km/h at times, particularly over the weekend and early next week. Sea conditions are also expected to vary between calm and rough across the Arabian Gulf and the Oman Sea.

Friday’s weather is expected to remain fair overall, although dusty conditions may develop during the daytime. Winds will range from light to moderate, becoming active at intervals and causing blowing dust across exposed areas.

On Saturday, temperatures are forecast to rise slightly, while partly cloudy skies are expected in eastern regions. Dusty winds may continue intermittently, although sea conditions are likely to remain relatively calm.

Sunday could bring a noticeable change, with dusty conditions increasing alongside a drop in temperatures over western parts of the country. The NCM also expects active winds to stir up dust and sand, while sea conditions in the Arabian Gulf may become moderate to rough.

By Monday, temperatures are forecast to decrease further, with dusty weather continuing in some areas. Winds are expected to strengthen again, particularly by evening, when rough sea conditions may also develop in the Oman Sea.

Conditions are likely to improve slightly on Tuesday, with fair to partly cloudy skies and temperatures gradually rising once again. However, occasional active winds may still affect parts of the country.

Authorities typically advise residents during dusty weather to drive carefully, especially in areas with reduced visibility, and to avoid outdoor exposure during periods of strong winds and blowing sand.

Weather

UAE weather: Sunny skies and cooler winds to start the week

Published

2 weeks ago

May 11, 2026

Michael Gomes

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Residents across the UAE can expect mostly sunny skies and lighter winds to start the week, as the dusty conditions seen over the weekend gradually ease.

According to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), Monday’s weather will remain generally fair, with southwesterly winds helping make outdoor conditions more comfortable.

Looking ahead, Tuesday and Wednesday mornings are likely to be humid, with mist formation expected over some northern coastal areas during the early hours.

Temperatures throughout the week are expected to remain in the mid to high 30s across coastal areas, while inland regions could see highs climbing into the low 40s.

By Thursday, dusty conditions are forecast to return as stronger winds trigger blowing dust and sand in some parts of the country, potentially reducing visibility.

The NCM said the current weather pattern is linked to weak surface pressure systems interacting with upper-level high pressure, conditions commonly associated with the transition into early summer.