Hotter days ahead with rising humidity

Al Ain: Weathermen have forecast more days of brutal heat, saying temperature may go as high as 49 degrees Celsius later this month.

A current hot spell has pushed mercury as high as 47C in Al Ain and its surrounding areas on Wednesday, forcing people to stay in-doors after midday.

Other cities away from the coastline such as Liwa and Madina Zayed also experienced scorching heat ranging from 44 to 46 degrees Celsius.

Once humidity start increasing, the conditions would be tougher in the costal cities.

Humidity level is currently in the normal range and weathermen expect it to increase later this month.

The Met Office, however, said the current weather is not unusual as temperature in the summer months of June, July and August ranges from 42 to 49 degree Celsius.

June, July and August are the hottest months of the year. A large segment of the population, comprising mainly expatriates, go on holidays abroad with vacations in educational institutions. The summer officially starts with the school holidays, normally from June 15, continuing till the first week of September.

Warning

"Temperature always remains in the mid-40C during this time of the year, and it is very hot for human body to withstand," said a meteorologist.

Relief will be minimal in the coastal areas and cities where humidity would shoot up to 90 per cent.

The heat is expected increase as the country is usually overrun in the summer by winds from the hot deserts in south east, called the Empty Quarter.

Health authorities have also warned people, particularly labourers, about the possible health problems.

The second high-risk group includes children, who play in the open, followed by European expatriates and fair people.

According to the National Centre of Meteorology and Seismology, the conditions would continue to remain hot and slightly hazy at times in the next 24 hours. South-easterly winds might also rise dust and sand.