Searing temperatures reach 51.8 degrees Celsius in the UAE following a dust warning issued
Record-Breaking Heatwave Hits UAE: Sweihan Reaches 51.8°C
On August 1, 2025, the town of Sweihan in Al Ain witnessed an extraordinary heatwave, with temperatures peaking at an astonishing 51.8°C at 3pm. This scorching temperature was not a new record for Sweihan, as it once claimed the title of the hottest place on Earth on June 6, 2021.
The intense heat conditions have been attributed to climate change, along with the ending of El Nino, according to experts. The mercury also surpassed 50°C in four other areas of the country on Friday, setting a challenging weather scenario.
Fresh Southeasterly winds reaching 40 km/hr caused blowing dust and sand, reducing horizontal visibility to less than 3000 m over some internal areas from 8:00 until 19:00 on August 1. However, it's important to note that the yellow alert for high levels of dust in the UAE, issued on August 1, was not related to these Southeasterly winds.
The NCM issued a dust warning for large areas of the north-east, and similar temperatures are predicted to persist across the UAE over the weekend. Despite the extreme heat, the weather centre revealed that rain is predicted over the weekend, particularly in the south-east of the UAE.
The combination of moisture brought in from the sea, interaction with mountainous terrain, and strong daytime heating creates conditions conducive to rainfall in Al Ain even during very hot summers. This unique weather phenomenon contributes to the formation of convective clouds that produce rain despite the high temperatures.
Meanwhile, other cities in the UAE were also experiencing high temperatures. Abu Dhabi was forecasted to reach 45°C on August 1, while Dubai was predicted for 46°C. The highest temperature recorded in the UAE this week is 50°C in Owtaid, Al Dhafra region of Abu Dhabi, on Monday, according to the NCM centre.
Despite the challenging weather conditions, it's essential to stay informed and take necessary precautions to stay safe during the heatwave. Always stay hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, and check the latest weather updates regularly.
[1] Climate change plays a significant role in the extreme heat conditions [2] Southeasterly winds cause blowing dust and sand [3] Al Ain experiences rain during hot summers [4] Yellow alert for high levels of dust in the UAE [5] Temperatures surpass 50°C in four other areas of the country on Friday [6] Rain predicted over the weekend
- Experts attribute the record-breaking heatwave in Sweihan, UAE, to the impact of climate change.
- Southeasterly winds reaching up to 40 km/hr caused blowing dust and sand, reducing visibility in certain internal areas of the UAE on August 1.
- Despite the extreme heat, Al Ain experiences rain during hot summers due to the unique combination of moisture, mountainous terrain, and daytime heating.
- On August 1, the UAE issued a yellow alert for high levels of dust, though it was not related to the Southeasterly winds.
- Apart from Sweihan, temperatures surpassed 50°C in four other areas of the UAE on August 1.
- Rain is predicted to occur over the weekend across the UAE, particularly in the south-east.
