Two days in a row, the UAE has seen its May temperature record smashed as it enters extreme summer mode. On Saturday, the Sweihan area in Abu Dhabi set a new high for the day at 51.6°C, outdoing Friday’s 50.4°C. Both locations hit temperatures above the previous May record of 50.2°C set in 2009.
What made this heatwave worse was that April in the UAE was already the hottest on record. May daily high temperatures are averaging 42.6°C in the country and the NCM has issued a heat warning encouraging people to be cautious.
Those who study the weather are keeping a close eye on the heat spike as it fits well with climate patterns seen worldwide. Specialists believe 2024 could become warmer than 2023, all due to the rise in greenhouse gas emissions and worsening weather all around the globe.
Local people are encouraged to keep out of direct sunlight, mainly during the hottest part of the day. Officials also suggest drinking water, wearing something cool and ensuring that children and pets are not left inside a hot car, since temperatures can rise very quickly inside a vehicle.
The high temperatures point out that the UAE is susceptible to climate change and need to be prepared during summer. Sweihan and other desert cities around the country may continue to experience more spikes as summer continues.
With unusually early and hard summer weather upon us, people are asked to spend less time outside, cool their homes and stay aware using the latest weather forecasts. This recent hot weather shows us why we should watch out for personal safety and help address global climate change.
