UAE weather: Heavy rain hits Al Ain as temperature reaches 49.3°C
Suhail is expected before dawn on August 24, signalling a gradual end to peak summer heat
Dubai: Heavy rain lashed the Sa’a area of Al Ain on Sunday as the UAE continued to experience a mix of intense heat and unsettled weather.
The country recorded a maximum temperature of 49.3°C in Sweihan, Al Ain, at 2.30pm, according to the National Centre of Meteorology.
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Hazardous weather warning
Authorities warned residents to remain extremely vigilant, saying hazardous weather events of exceptional severity were forecast.
Convective cloud formations were expected to continue until 10pm, with residents advised to follow safety guidance issued by the authorities.
The unsettled weather pattern is expected to continue into the coming week.
More rain possible on Monday
On Monday, convective clouds could develop again over eastern parts of the UAE during the afternoon, with a possibility of rainfall and winds reaching 35km/h.
Humidity is also forecast to increase overnight and into Monday morning in some coastal areas.
Conditions in the Arabian Gulf and the Oman Sea are expected to remain slight.
Suhail signals gradual seasonal shift
Meanwhile, the UAE is approaching another traditional seasonal marker. Suhail is expected to become visible before dawn on August 24, signalling the gradual shift away from the most intense phase of summer.
For generations, Suhail has been used across the Gulf as a practical seasonal marker. Its appearance around August 24 is traditionally associated with the gradual weakening of the severe summer heat.
The change, however, is not expected to be immediate.
Meteorological summer ends on August 31, while astronomical summer continues until September 23. Temperatures and humidity are expected to ease gradually over the coming weeks, with nights becoming more comfortable and extreme heat becoming less persistent.
