The United Arab Emirates recorded its highest temperature of the year so far on Saturday, with the mercury soaring to a blistering 51.6°C at 1:45pm, according to the National Center of Meteorology (NCM).
The temperature was recorded in Sweihan, Al Ain, and marks one of the highest ever temperatures recorded in the country this season, signalling an early and intense start to the UAE's summer.
This comes just days after the UAE reported 50.4°C on May 23, the highest May temperature since the NCM began tracking weather patterns in 2003. The current heatwave follows last month’s record-breaking April, which saw an average daily high of 42.6°C, surpassing the previous April record of 42.2°C set in 2017.
The astronomical summer has yet to begin, officially starting on June 21 with the summer solstice — the point when the Sun reaches its highest and northernmost position in the sky, explained Khadijah Al Hariri, Operations Manager at DAG.
Last July, the UAE registered 50.8°C in Sweihan, a peak that this year’s May temperatures are already approaching, raising concerns about what lies ahead in the coming summer months.
Authorities are urging residents to take all necessary precautions, especially as temperatures climb past the critical 50°C mark. Extreme heat poses serious health risks, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic conditions.
With the heat intensifying earlier than usual, health officials stress the importance of staying hydrated, avoiding outdoor activities during peak hours, and keeping informed through official weather updates.
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