Al Ain: Those fasting during Ramadan this year face a tough test with more than a 15-hour long fast in the season’s hottest and most humid days.

Those who work outdoors will face the toughest test of all, forecasters warn, and there is a chance people could become unwell if they do not take necessary precautions.

“Do reap the blessing of the month but be careful when working outdoors,” said weather forecasters.

“Ramadan this year comes in the summer period [it starts on July 10] and this period of the year is characterised by high temperatures during the day,” said the Abu Dhabi-based National Centre of Meteorology and Seismology (NCMS).

The centre said the maximum temperatures will be in the afternoon.

The maximum temperature recorded during this period is 52.1 degrees Celsius. It was in July 2002 in the Al Jazeera BG area in the far west of the UAE, according to the NCMS.

Forecasters rate August and September as the toughest months of the year, when heat coupled with high humidity increases discomfort in the country. The average temperature is likely to be in the mid-40s but it could jump to higher levels. The duration of the day will decrease as the month progresses but there will only be 24 minutes difference between the first and last day of Ramadan.

An increase in humidity is also likely on some days in the morning and at night that could see mist and fog forming in some areas. The average relative humidity will be between 42 and 51 per cent, said the NCMS.

Mohammad Farooq, a Sri Lankan expatriate, said fasting is mandatory in Islam and Allah gives people courage to withstand the difficult conditions.

“No doubt the conditions will be tough but I’ll pray to Allah to give me and all other Muslims the courage to fulfil the obligations,” he said.

Sulman Haider, an Indian expatriate, said the duration of the fast is longer than the previous few years, but “I can’t make weather conditions an excuse”.

He said he spends around seven hours outdoors.

“It will be tough especially when the body fluids are low, but I have to obey my Lord and I’ll be doing it in the best possible way,” he added.

Abdul Aziz, an Egyptian expatriate, said the fast will be long but it will not be difficult for him.

“Most of my working hours are limited to indoor office work,” he said.

It will be a challenge for people operating outside he said, adding he was sure the reduced working hours during Ramadan will help such people to some extent.