UAE temperature hits record 50.8°C amid heatwave

The UAE is experiencing a record-breaking heat wave as temperatures rise by two to three degrees in the desert, inland, and coastal areas of the Arabian peninsula. The NCM has forecasted that this heatwave will persist for five days, with temperatures today ranging between 40°C and 45°C in various cities.

The highest recorded temperature was at 50.8°C in Al Shawamekh, Abu Dhabi, and Sweihan, Al Ain, on Tuesday, according to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM). The temperature peaked at 14:45 in Al Shawamekh and at 15:45 in Sweihan.

Earlier this year, in April, Dubai recorded its heaviest rainfall in 75 years, a stark contrast to the current heatwave. These fluctuations highlight the region's vulnerability to climate change.

The changes have not gone unnoticed by the UAE government, in fact, they published a National Adaptation Plan in 2023, just before hosting the COP28 global conference, assessing the country's susceptibility to climate impacts.

The report warns of a potential rise in average annual temperatures by 2-3°C starting from 2060 and a possible doubling of annual rainfall in Dubai, Sharjah, and the northern emirates.

The ongoing heatwave serves as a reminder of the urgent need for climate resilience and proactive measures to mitigate the impacts of climate change.