UAE Faces Extreme Humidity, Dubai Worst-Hit

UAE Records Extreme Humid Conditions with Slight Relief Forecast

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been grappling with soaring temperatures recently, with humidity reaching between 90 to 95%. Reflecting on this, the National Center of Meteorology (NCM) in UAE has forecast light rainfall over the mountains and a humid night on Friday, indicating a slight relief from the extreme conditions.

On Wednesday, the mercury hit 42 degrees Celsius in Asaluyeh, Iran, followed by 41 degrees Celsius on Thursday. Meanwhile, Dubai recorded a temperature of 45 degrees Celsius on Tuesday. Recently, Abu Dhabi experienced an astonishing 61 degrees Celsius, and Oman recorded 58 degrees Celsius, according to The Washington Post. These extreme temperatures highlight the severe weather conditions prevailing in the region.

Wet-Bulb Globe Temperature

While the temperatures have remained somewhat above normal, the dew points – a measure of humidity – were exorbitantly high, spiking up to the 90s. The wet-bulb globe temperature, which measures the amount of heat stress on the human body, hit 96 at the Persian Gulf International Airport and 95 in Dubai recently, The Washington Post reported. This measurement considers temperature, humidity, wind, and cloud cover to determine the heat stress on the human body.

A report by Euro News stated that such climatic conditions, especially in Dubai, where high heat and humidity occur simultaneously, are considered deadly. When humidity hits 100 percent, sweat ceases to evaporate, meaning the human body cannot cool down on its own, posing serious health risks.

Urban Heat Island Effect

Dubai’s location near the Tropic of Cancer and the Persian Gulf makes it prone to such dangerous conditions. The Euro News report also attributed the weather condition to the urban heat island effect – Dubai’s city surfaces absorb and retain heat, resulting in urban areas being significantly warmer than nearby rural areas. This phenomenon exacerbates the already extreme weather conditions, making it even more challenging for residents and visitors.

Indian Monsoon Affects Weather in UAE

Dr. Habib Ahmed, a senior meteorologist at the National Center of Meteorology (NCM), confirmed to Gulf News that humidity was recorded between 90 to 95 percent in coastal areas in the UAE this week. “The UAE is currently affected by the Indian monsoon low, which is pushing hot, humid air masses from the southeast over the UAE. There is an easterly flow from the Arabian Sea and the Oman Sea. This is causing high humidity in the eastern parts of the country. The region is also affected by thermal lows,” Dr. Ahmed told Gulf News.

Rain in Al Ain

Contrary to the scorching conditions in other parts of the UAE, Al Ain recorded heavy rainfall accompanied by hail on Tuesday. Dr. Ahmed explained that thermal lows are caused by intense daytime heating, leading to ‘thermal low-pressure’ systems that can result in isolated rain and storms in desert regions. He further mentioned that the UAE also falls within the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ), a narrow belt where warm, moist air rises and condenses into water droplets, forming clouds and rainstorms. This zone plays a crucial role in the region’s weather patterns, contributing to the occasional rainfall and storms.

The UAE is experiencing extreme weather conditions characterized by high temperatures and humidity levels. While there is a slight relief forecasted with light rainfall, the overall climate remains harsh and challenging. Understanding these weather patterns is crucial for public safety, especially in urban areas like Dubai, which are significantly impacted by the urban heat island effect and their proximity to the Tropic of Cancer and the Persian Gulf. The interplay of various factors, including the Indian monsoon, thermal lows, and the ITCZ, highlights the complexity of the region’s climate and underscores the need for effective weather monitoring and preparedness measures.