UAE sets new August temperature record, hitting a 9-year high of 51.8°C so far

Dubai: The UAE has recorded its highest temperature in nine years for the month of August, with a scorching 51.8°C reported in Sweihan, Al Ain. This reading, which was recorded on August 1, 2025 surpasses the previous August record of 51.4°C set in Mezaira in 2017, indicating a clear increase in temperatures over the past few years, according to the National Center of Meteorology (NCM).

August is a continuation of July's hot weather, with temperatures being influenced by the extension of thermal lows from the southwest. The most significant of these is the Indian monsoon low pressure, which contributes to the rising temperatures across the country. The eastern mountains and southern areas of the UAE experience cloud formation due to the combination of mountains and high temperatures. These clouds often develop into rain in the afternoon, extending to some interior regions. The Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) also affects some areas, especially during the first half of the month, leading to the formation of convective rainy clouds. The ITCZ is a low-pressure area near the equator where trade winds meet, causing warm, moist air to rise and form thunderstorms.

Land and sea breezes are a key factor in August's weather patterns. Southeasterly winds are common during the night and morning, while northerly winds prevail during the daytime. The country is also sometimes affected by fresh southerly winds in the morning, which can cause blowing dust. Fresh northwesterly winds may also occur, leading to blowing and suspended dust. The mean relative humidity for August is 47 per cent, which is a slight increase from July, with mornings and evenings feeling particularly humid. The mean maximum relative humidity can range from 63 per cent to 80 per cent, while the mean minimum ranges from 17 per cent to 32 per cent.

The mean air temperature in August ranges between 34.7°C and 36.5°C (Mean air temperature is the average temperature of the air over a specific period and location). The mean maximum air temperature ranges from 40.9°C to 43.2°C, while the mean minimum air temperature is between 29.3°C and 31°C. The lowest minimum air temperature ever recorded in August was 16.1°C at Jabal Mebreh in 2013. The mean wind speed is 12 km/h, with the highest wind gust recorded at 127.8 km/h at Al Hayer in 2023.

The mean relative humidity for the month is 47 per cent, with a mean maximum relative humidity ranging from 63 per cent to 80 per cent and a mean minimum ranging from 17 per cent to 32 per cent. In 2018, August showed the highest frequency of fog with 15 occasions of fog and one misty day. The highest amount of rain recorded during this month was 100.4 mm in Hamim in 2013.