Weather Update for UAE: For the second day in a row, the United Arab Emirates has surpassed its May temperature records, with temperatures reaching an astonishing 51.6°C on Saturday, according to the National Center of Meteorology.
“The peak temperature today was 51.6°C in Sweihan (Al Ain) at 13:45 UAE local time (0945 GMT),” announced the NCM in a post on X.
The nation, situated in one of the hottest areas on Earth and significantly impacted by climate change, is currently experiencing a fierce heatwave.
The temperature recorded on Saturday was 1.2 degrees higher than that of Friday in the Abu Dhabi region. This string of extreme heat days highlights a concerning trend regarding rising temperatures in the Gulf.
Record-Breaking Temperatures in UAE
The recent measurements in the UAE exceeding 51°C have eclipsed the previous highest recorded temperature of 50.2°C for May, which was noted back in 2009, as reported by AFP.
Potential Rainfall Warning for Al Ain
Despite the scorching heat, the National Center of Meteorology in the UAE issued a warning regarding possible rainfall from 5 PM to 8 PM on Saturday. They anticipate the formation of convective clouds over the eastern regions, particularly near Al Ain, with chances of rain, strong winds, and dust storms.
Officials have urged drivers to exercise caution due to the potential for slick or dust-covered roads, as reported by Gulf News.
Middle East Faces Increased Risks of Water and Food Shortages
Over the last thirty years, the UAE has witnessed an increase in the number of extremely hot days, a trend that has doubled worldwide.
Research indicates that persistent heatwaves are a definitive consequence of global warming, with expectations that such events will become more frequent, prolonged, and severe.
A 2022 study by Greenpeace highlighted that the Middle East faces significant threats of water and food shortages and extreme heat waves due to climate change.
This research, which analyzed six countries including the UAE, revealed that the region is warming nearly twice as rapidly as the global average, placing its food and water resources in a precarious position in the face of climate change.