Region to experience heatwave as temperatures may touch 50°C in UAE

Abdulrahman Saeed, Staff Reporter

Dr. Ahmed Habib, a meteorologist at the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), has said that the heat wave currently affecting the Arabian Peninsula will move to the UAE. However, the impact will be minimal, with temperatures rising by only two to three degrees in desert, inland and coastal areas. The heat wave is expected to last for five days, he added.   

In exclusive statements to Al Khaleej, Habib stated, “The climatic effects in the Arabian Peninsula are not necessarily uniform, as these effects are subject to the pressure systems that control the air masses. Consequently, if there is an air thermal depression in a neighbouring country, it may not necessarily move to the UAE, based on the air mass and the nature of the region.”   

He also explained that the prolongation of the thermal depression currently prevailing in the southwest of the Saudi region is responsible for the influx of hot air through the Empty Quarter on certain areas of the UAE, which will result in an increase in temperatures over the course of the next five days, according to the meteorological forecast. It is predicted that some southern and eastern regions in the country will experience an increase in temperatures within the context of the prevailing summer weather conditions.

During this period, residents of the UAE are advised to avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, particularly between 11am and 4pm, and to consume sufficient fluids to prevent dehydration.

Additionally, he pointed that the maximum temperatures during the thermal extension in the inland and desert areas will be ranging between 46°C-49°C, with the potential to reach 50°C. In the coastal areas, the maximum temperatures will be ranging between 42°C-45°C. He noted that the summer period in the northern hemisphere lasts until 22 September. However, climatically, the temperatures begin to decrease at the end of August, but insignificantly, until they moderate and begin to cool during October. 

In contrast, the National Center of Meteorology has forecasted weather conditions for the forthcoming two-day period, indicating the probability of clear skies and occasional partial cloud cover. Additionally, low-lying clouds are anticipated to form along the eastern coastline. Winds are expected to be southeasterly to northeasterly, reaching speeds of 10-25 km/h and up to 40 km/h on occasion.

The sea will exhibit moderate to light waves in the Arabian Gulf, with the potential for light to moderate waves to become turbulent in the morning in the Sea of Oman.