Al Ain: Residents enjoyed temporary relief from the summer heat with light to moderate rainfall across the country on Monday.
Heavy rain and thunderstorms were reported in Al Showaib, a town in the north-east of Al Ain, Umm Al Nehda, in Dubai, Dubai Outer Bypass Road, Seih Al Salem, and Al Ain-Dubai Road.
However, summer advisories are in full effect as residents brace for a nasty mix of high humidity, scorching temperatures, dusty winds and thunder showers in different parts of the UAE.
Temperatures of 45C were forecast in most cities and towns, with the human discomfort index rising to seven or eight on a scale of 1-10. Towns and cities in the desert have been under an excessive heat warning.
Residents have been advised to stay indoors in air-conditioned areas if possible. Many people go to shopping malls to stay cool as afternoon strolls on city streets are dehydrating. “Heat and high humidity make it feel much hotter than it really is,” said a forecaster.
People must drink plenty of water and remember to dress appropriately for the heat, he added.
Forecasters have attributed the high level of humidity to north-westerly and easterly winds coming in from the sea. Conditions get tougher in the afternoon when humidity levels reach the maximum.
The National Centre of Meteorology and Seismology (NCMS) also reported morning rain on Monday in some areas on the country’s eastern coast. Light to moderate showers were also reported in parts of Dubai.
Afternoon towering clouds, sudden showers, and windy and dusty conditions at times have been a frequent occurrence in the eastern parts of the UAE and the mountainous areas for the last several days.
Al Ain, which is famous for its low humidity and relatively cooler evening temperatures in the UAE has been facing a maximum of 70 to 85 per cent humidity for several days. Conditions worsened when the mercury also shot up to 46C in the day.
Unrelenting summer conditions are expected to linger in the coming days as the region passes through the peak summer season, said forecasters. “Humid conditions are normal in the coastal cities in July and August,” said the forecasters.
Abu Dhabi has also been facing a maximum humidity level of 80 per cent and a maximum temperature of 42C.
The mercury also hit 42C in Dubai yesterday with 80 per cent humidity.
Similar conditions were reported from Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, and Ras Al Khaimah.
According to the NCMS weather outlook for the next 48 hours, the weather will continue to be hot, humid, and hazy in general.
Conditions will be partly cloudy by afternoon in the eastern and southern parts of the emirates.
Moderately rough north-westerly and south-westerly winds will blow with occasional changes in direction.
