Abu Dhabi: The United Arab Emirates recorded its highest temperature of the day at 49.4°C in Sweihan, Al Ain, on Saturday, as the country prepared for the start of the astronomical summer amid forecasts of continued intense heat and the possibility of temperatures exceeding 50°C in the coming weeks.
According to the National Meteorological Center, the temperature was recorded at 12:45 local time. Other areas also experienced extreme heat, with Mezaira reaching 48.6°C, while Um Azimul and Mukhariz both recorded 48.3°C and Al Quaa reached 48.1°C.
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Readings near 50°C came a day before the summer solstice, which marks the official start of summer according to astronomical calculations.
The Emirates Astronomical Society said the season will begin at 12:25pm UAE time on Sunday, when the Sun reaches its northernmost position directly above the Tropic of Cancer. Astronomical summer will continue until the autumnal equinox around September 23rd.
Ibrahim Al Jarwan, chairman of the Emirates Astronomical Society and member of the Arab Union for Astronomy and Space Sciences, said the UAE is currently experiencing the longest days of the year, with daylight lasting up to 13 hours and 50 minutes between June 18 and 24.
He said average daytime temperatures during the first half of summer, from June 21 to August 10, are expected to hover between 41°C and 43°C, while nighttime temperatures will remain between 27°C and 31°C.
Al Jarwan noted that the period is usually dominated by seasonal “Barah” winds, which can generate dust and blowing sand, while occasional hot air masses can push temperatures at least three degrees above seasonal averages for several days in a row. In some inland areas, temperatures can exceed 50°C.
During the second half of summer, from mid-August to the end of September, humidity levels are expected to rise significantly over much of the country. The moist “Kous” winds may also contribute to the formation of convective clouds over the Hajar Mountains, bringing seasonal thunderstorms to the eastern regions.
Meanwhile, the National Weather Service predicts fair to partly cloudy weather on Sunday, especially in eastern areas. The wind is expected to blow light to medium, occasionally refreshing up to 35 km/h.
Temperatures are forecast to reach 46°C in Liwa and Ruwais, 44°C in Fujairah, 43°C in Sharjah and Ajman and 42°C in Dubai, while humidity levels could rise to 80 percent in Al Ain and 75 percent in some coastal areas.
Sea conditions are expected to remain light in both the Arabian Gulf and the Sea of Oman.
