UAE weather alert: Dusty skies, scorching heat continues with chance of rain in some areas

Temperatures soar above 47°C as convective clouds bring chance of rain through Friday

Last updated: August 20, 2025 | 06:41

Manuel Almario, Senior News Editor

2 MIN READ

Morning commuters and pedestrians in Dubai are faced with dusty skies as a sandstorm passes through the city.

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Dubai: The UAE continues to experience sweltering summer conditions, with daytime highs pushing into the mid-40s and a persistent heat affecting much of the country. According to AccuWeather, Abu Dhabi is forecast to be mostly sunny and very warm today, with a high of 42°C. Tonight will remain mainly clear and hot, with temperatures dipping only slightly to 34°C. The current temperature is 33°C, but with the humidity and sun intensity, it feels more like 41°C.

In Dubai, it's even hotter. The city is mostly sunny with a high of 43°C and a real feel of 42°C, despite the current temperature sitting at 36°C. Tonight, the mercury will settle at 34°C, with skies remaining clear.

According to the National Center of Meteorology (NCM), today’s broader weather pattern brings some relief or at least variation. Conditions will be partly cloudy to cloudy at times, with the formation of convective clouds, especially eastward and southward, potentially spreading into some internal regions. These cloud systems may bring rainfall, and this pattern is expected to continue until Friday.

Nationwide temperatures remain extreme

Internal regions: 43°C to 47°C
Coastal areas and islands: 40°C to 45°C
Mountainous regions: 30°C to 36°C

The hottest temperature recorded yesterday was a blistering 47.3°C in Bada Dafas (Al Dhafra region) at 1:30pm.

Winds will be light to moderate, occasionally fresh to strong, particularly around cloud activity. These gusts, reaching up to 45 km/h, could stir up blowing dust and sand, reducing visibility in areas stretching from the Southeast to the Northeast.

Marine conditions will be slight to moderate in the Arabian Gulf and slight in the Oman Sea.

The authorities continue to urge residents and visitors to stay hydrated, avoid direct sunlight during peak hours, and be cautious while driving in areas where visibility may be reduced due to dust.

Also Read: UAE: 5 rules to follow when driving in dusty conditions, sandstorm

Manuel AlmarioSenior News Editor

Manuel has been with Gulf News for 24 years, currently serving as a Senior News Editor and a vital member of the team. From managing social media platforms and crafting viral content to shooting and editing videos on various topics such as weather, gold prices, and traffic updates, Manuel ensures news is not just timely but engaging. He also moderates reader comments and keeps the digital space respectful and impactful. Formerly the Community Editor for the Readers section, Manuel helped residents resolve issues with banks, telecom providers, utilities, and government agencies—giving people a voice and driving accountability. “I’m proud that, with the cooperation of companies, I was able to help people get the answers they needed,” he says. Beyond the newsroom, Manuel is driven by a passion for human interest stories—amplifying voices that often go unheard. “From rags-to-riches journeys to the quiet resilience of people with special needs, I believe these stories restore hope in humanity,” he added. “In every story I tell,” Manuel says, “my goal is simple: to inspire hearts, inform minds, and make a real difference in people’s lives. Whether it’s a viral video, a quiet act of resilience, or a voice that needs to be heard, I believe every story has the power to connect us—and sometimes, even change us.” Manuel’s impact goes far beyond the newsroom—he’s been honored as one of the 300 most influential Filipinos in the Gulf Legacy Edition 2020 by Illustrado. His dedication to telling powerful stories, along with his influence in community, culture, and human interest, has earned him a well-deserved place on this prestigious list.