Does the weather affect your mood?

Dubai/ Abu Dhabi: Summer is nearly here, and once again it is time to start applying the sunscreen lotion.

Humidity is slowly but surely rising, the temperatures are well above 30 degree Celsius at midday, and the winds are slowly disappearing. The weather affects us all in some way or other, but does is it affect our mood?

In a recent Gulf News poll, 49 per cent of respondents said they were the happiest in winter, 30 per cent said it was in spring, 11 per cent said they were always grumpy, and the remaining nine per cent said they enjoyed summer the most.

As the turbulent weather change that engulfed the country in the last few weeks has long gone, the chance of seeing rain again this year are quite slim.

City Talk took to the streets and asked residents if the hot weather makes them grumpy, if they actually enjoy the rain, and what is their favourite type of weather in the UAE.

Madhav Parajuli, tour guide, Nepal, 26, said: "Nowadays it is very good as the heat has not kicked in yet, and I have already experienced the summers here when the temperature is above 51 degrees Celsius.

"But I do not like the rain because that is when all the problems start and there is flooding. I prefer the warmer climate, but without the humidity."

Winnie Mesa, cleaner from the Philippines, 31, said: "I do not like the hot weather at all because there is no shade and it is unbearable to stand outdoors. It bothers and annoys me, but there is nothing that we can do about it.

"I certainly miss the rain because it makes me happy, especially the hail storm."

Heba Al Shawa, Palestinian interior designer, 22, said: "I hate the rain and I do not know why but it gets me really gloomy and depressed. It makes me not want to do anything and it also ruins my hair.

"I am an outdoor person so when it rains, it is like it stops me from doing anything. I love spring time here because it has the most beautiful weather.

"The sun is amazing for going to the beach and it is breezy enough for you to not feel sweaty and disgusting. Hot weather makes me really hungry and thirsty, and I gain a lot of wait in summer."

Murriam Mubeen, call centre agent, Pakistan, 27, said: "I love the spring as you get the best of both summer and winter.

"Hot weather does not bother me at all. We have AC here, so why should we be grumpy over heat.

"I definitely like the rain. It is so rare here, and that is why it is special to me. Besides, I like the cool weather that comes along with the rain."

Ali Mohsen, interior designer from Lebanon, 40, said: "Hot weather makes me mad and angry. Since I spend most of the time of the day at the office, my anger is usually taken out there. I like the weather in December the most because it is neither too cold nor too hot. The weather is really fine at that time.

"I like the rain mostly because it brings memories with it. It gives me nostalgic reminders of my home country."

Joanne Hao, Filipina receptionist, 32, said: "I do not have a problem with the heat or with the rain, and the weather is the same like in the Philippines, except for the humidity.

"I feel the happiest during the winter because it gives me a chance to wear jackets, even if it is not that cold."

Mohan Varghese, Indian businessman, 56, said: "I like the weather now because it is moderate one. But I do not like the rain at all, as it affects my business and thus hits my pocket directly.

"I run a transport-related business so rain is not something I look out for. I do not mind hot weather though."

Rabii Sfaxi, barber from Tunisia, 20, said: "We are in the Middle East so hot weather is expected the majority of the time.

"It does not upset me because I am mostly indoors, but I am dreading the months to come ahead because it will be very difficult to even walk outside for a few minutes.

"The best time here though has to be that one month of rain that we get almost every year."