Al Ain: As the oppressive heatwave continues with temperatures in the high 40Cs, residents are scrambling for shade or just staying indoors all over the country.
The Western Region of Abu Dhabi and the southern part of Al Ain have now entered their second month of trying to cope with the brutal heatwave. While weather experts said these conditions are normal in this part of the world over the summer months they are also extremely dangerous.
People living in coastal cities have also been braving a double summer assault as high humidity in the evening gives them no respite. The human comfort index has dropped to low levels, forcing most outdoor activities in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman and Ras Al Khaimah to be cancelled.
The national weather bureau said the highest temperature reached on Monday was 49.9C, recorded in Al Jazeera BG, a small town in the Western Region of Abu Dhabi. It was followed by 47.6C in Mukhariz in the southwest of Al Ain, and 47.2C in Al Wathba, on the Abu Dhabi-Al Ain highway.
Temperatures reached 46C in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah; 45.8C in Umm Al Quwain, 45.4C in Al Ain, and 45C in Dubai.
In an overall temperature forecast, the National Centre of Meteorology and Seismology (NCMS) said the mercury could shoot up to 47C in coastal areas, 49C in the interior, and 38C in the mountains.
A forecaster said the daytime would be dominated by hot southern and south-easterly winds, bringing in heatwaves from cyclones in the Empty Quarter. The wind direction will change to north-westerly in the evening, particularly along the coast, which will increase the humidity level.
The National Centre for Meteorology and Seismology (NCMS) forecast said the weather will remain hot to very hot and hazy in the next 48 hours. Winds will, however, be moderately rough and blow dust and sand around open areas. The sea was expected to be moderate to rough at times.
