Al Ain: The temperature shot up to 48C in some inland areas on Monday, making it the hottest day of the year so far.
Conditions were brutal after midday in Al Ain, Suweihan, Liwa and a number of places located deep in the desert. The sun was, however, slightly less ferocious in coastal areas with a maximum temperature of around 41 degrees Celcius, according to the National Centre of Meteorology and Seismology (NCMS).
Forecasters also warned of steady high temperatures in the next couple of days.
“We expect the daytime temperature to be between 44C and 48C, dropping to 28C to 32C at night,” he said.
“It’s very hot,” said a meteorologist, adding the seasonal heat cyclones have started developing over the desert areas.
The midday heat forced people to take refuge in air-conditioned environments. With the burning sun overhead, streets wore a deserted look at around noon in Al Ain, Liwa, and other desert areas.
The Western Region of Abu Dhabi emirate has also been facing suspended dust in the air that has reduced visibility. The NCMS warned people dust may be in the air in cities and suburbs in the Western Region such as Liwa, Mirfa and Tarif up to the outskirts of Abu Dhabi city.
The conditions have resulted in poor air quality that can trigger breathing problems. A meteorologist said smog has reached unhealthy levels. Big cities such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah have witnessed increased humidity, pollution from vehicles and dust. Poor air quality could cause problems for the elderly, young children, and people with respiratory problems, the meteorologist said.
Forecasters said the maximum temperature under the direct sun was even higher. They said weather centres report the ambient temperature (environment temperature) which is around three degrees less than the actual temperature.
According to the NCMS forecast for the next 24 hours, the weather will remain hot in general during the daytime. It will be hazy and partly cloudy in the eastern emirates at times.
Winds will be light to moderately rough, blowing in from a north-westerly direction. The sea will be rough. Similar conditions are expected on Tuesday and Wednesday.
