Residents Advised to Stay Hydrated and Limit Outdoor Activities
As the UAE approaches its peak summer, temperatures have already exceeded the 50°C mark. The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) reported the highest temperature this week, with 50.3°C recorded in Um Azimul (Al Ain) at 2 pm on Tuesday.
On Monday, popular Emirati photographer Rashid Aziz shared a video showing a sweltering 50.6°C on the National Meteorological Centre panel in Al Shawamekh, Abu Dhabi. The region typically experiences its most intense summer heat from mid-July through the end of August. During this period, humidity levels can soar to 90%, and dust storms from the desert are common.
Over the past few days, residents have endured extreme heat and humidity, with temperatures consistently around the 49-50°C range. On June 21, the temperature hit 49.9°C in Mezaira (Al Dhafra region) at 3:15 pm, coinciding with the summer solstice, the longest day of the year, lasting 14 hours.
Doctors are urging residents to take precautionary measures as cases of heat stroke and heat exhaustion rise with the increasing temperatures. Residents are advised to stay hydrated, avoid direct sunlight, and limit outdoor activities during mid-day.
To mitigate the effects of the extreme heat, the UAE government has implemented a midday break, prohibiting work under direct sunlight and in open-air areas from 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm, from June 15 to September 15. Additionally, over 6,000 rest stations equipped with cooling devices and cold water have been set up for delivery workers during these breaks.
Last August, the hottest day of the year was recorded in the UAE, with temperatures reaching 50.8°C in Owtaid (Al Dhafra Region) in Abu Dhabi at 2:45 pm.
The severe heatwave during Haj 2024 resulted in a death toll exceeding 1,000, with temperatures climbing as high as 51.8°C on June 17.
Globally, various regions are grappling with intense heatwaves, leading to school closures and driving people to seek refuge in air-conditioned environments.
