Residents in the UAE should be prepared for extreme heat this week as temperatures are expected to soar to as high as 49°C, according to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM).

On Monday, coastal areas are forecast to record highs between 40°C and 46°C, while inland regions could see temperatures climbing to 49°C. Although coastal temperatures are expected to ease slightly later in the week, inland areas will continue to experience intense heat, with highs ranging from 41°C to 47°C.

The NCM said skies will remain partly cloudy throughout the week. Light to moderate winds are expected, occasionally strengthening and reaching speeds of 35km/h to 40km/h.

Humidity is also forecast to rise on Thursday morning, especially in coastal and inland areas, adding to the uncomfortable conditions despite fair to partly cloudy skies.

Over the weekend, the UAE recorded a scorching 48.2°C in Madinat Zayed, Al Dhafra Region, at 2:45pm on Sunday, highlighting the intensity of this year’s summer heat.

Why does it feel hotter?

According to Emirati astronomer Ibrahim Al Jarwan, summer in the UAE and across the Arabian Peninsula stretches from June to the end of August, with temperatures typically peaking during July and August.

While July is usually the hottest month, August often feels even more uncomfortable due to rising humidity levels.

High humidity, particularly in coastal areas, makes the air feel much hotter than the actual temperature. As moisture increases during the second half of summer, the body struggles to cool itself efficiently, resulting in a higher ‘feels like’ temperature.
The intense heat is also being fuelled by moderate El Nino conditions, which the NCM had earlier predicted as having a 99% chance of persisting through December. Although El Nino develops in the Pacific Ocean, it influences global weather patterns, contributing to near-to-above-average temperatures across the UAE. These conditions could pave the way for more active autumn weather systems, increasing the likelihood of cloud formation and rainfall later in the year.

The UAE is set for another spell of intense summer heat, with temperatures expected to reach 48°C in some inland areas on Tuesday, according to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM).

While most parts of the country will experience fair to partly cloudy skies, meteorologists say convective clouds could develop over eastern regions later in the day, bringing a chance of isolated rainfall as well as humid conditions.

Tuesday’s forecast

The NCM expects:

• Maximum temperatures between 43°C and 48°C in inland areas.
• Coastal and island temperatures ranging from 38°C to 42°C.
• Mountain areas recording highs of 32°C to 37°C.

Light to moderate southwesterly to northwesterly winds are forecast, with speeds of 10 to 25km/h, occasionally increasing to 35km/h.

Humidity is expected to rise overnight and into Wednesday morning, particularly across some western coastal areas.

Sea conditions will remain slight in the Arabian Gulf and slight to moderate in the Oman Sea, with offshore waters potentially becoming rough by Wednesday morning.

What to expect for the rest of the week

Wednesday

Temperatures are expected to climb further, making Wednesday one of the hottest days of the week.

Forecasters also expect:

• Convective clouds over eastern and southern areas.
• A chance of localised rainfall.
• Winds strengthening to 40km/h in some areas.
• Blowing dust reducing visibility in exposed locations.

Thursday

Hot weather will continue, with another chance of convective cloud formation and isolated showers over eastern and southern parts of the country.

Light to moderate winds may freshen at times, lifting dust in open areas.

Friday

Fair to partly cloudy skies are forecast across the UAE.

Clouds may continue to develop over eastern and southern regions, although temperatures are expected to remain largely unchanged.

Winds will ease slightly, with gusts reaching 35km/h, while sea conditions remain slight to moderate.

Saturday

The weather pattern is expected to continue into the weekend with fair to partly cloudy skies.

Humidity is likely to increase overnight and into Sunday morning, particularly along coastal areas, where mist may form in some locations.

Hot weather advice

With temperatures nearing 48°C, residents are advised to:

• Stay hydrated throughout the day.
• Limit outdoor activities during peak afternoon hours.
• Wear lightweight clothing and use sun protection.
• Exercise caution while driving in areas affected by dust or reduced visibility.
• Monitor weather updates if travelling to eastern or mountainous regions where isolated showers may develop.

The hot and humid conditions are expected to persist through the week, with only a slight chance of rainfall confined mainly to eastern and southern parts of the UAE.

Residents across the UAE should prepare for another extremely hot day, with temperatures expected to reach as high as 48°C in some parts of the country.

According to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), the weather will be partly cloudy, with cloud cover increasing at times over northern and eastern regions.

Abu Dhabi and Dubai weather

Daytime temperatures will remain intense across the country, with highs of:

• 48°C in some inland areas
• 41°C in Abu Dhabi
• 40°C in Dubai

Night-time temperatures are expected to be slightly cooler, falling to around:

• 30°C in Abu Dhabi
• 31°C in Dubai
• 28°C in some inland locations

Winds to strengthen over western coastal areas

Light to moderate southwesterly to northwesterly winds will blow across the UAE during the day. At times, the winds may become stronger, especially over western coastal waters.

Wind speeds are forecast to range between 10 and 25 km/h, with gusts reaching up to 40 km/h in some areas.

Humidity to increase overnight

Humidity levels are expected to rise during the night and into Tuesday morning, particularly across inland areas. Relative humidity is forecast to range between 25% and 75%, creating warmer and more humid conditions during the early morning hours.

Sea conditions

Sea conditions will remain slight to moderate across most coastal waters. However, rough conditions may develop at times in the western parts of the Arabian Gulf due to stronger winds.

The Oman Sea is expected to remain generally calm, with slight wave conditions throughout the forecast period.

Stay safe in the heat

With temperatures approaching 48°C, residents are advised to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged outdoor activities during peak afternoon hours, and follow weather updates issued by the National Centre of Meteorology.