UAE temperatures soar to 51.6°C in May, breaking records ahead of peak summer

The UAE hit the highest temperature in the country on Saturday (May 24), hitting a scorching 51.6°C at 1.45pm, according to the National Center of Meteorology (NCM).

The temperature was recorded at Sweihan in Al Ain.

Recommended For You

Wall Street gains on hopes of government reopening

Mahira and Fawad Khan talk about bringing Neelofar to life

Veteran actor Prem Chopra recovering after viral infection

India: Earthquake of magnitude 6.07 strikes Andaman Islands, GFZ says

Oman extends residency card validity to 10 years under new decision

 

This extreme heat marks one of the highest temperatures recorded so far this season, signaling an early start to the intense summer heat that typically grips the country in the coming months.

On May 23, the UAE recorded a sweltering 50.4ºC, its highest temperature for May since it began documenting them in 2003, according to the weather department.

Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.

This follows last month’s record when the UAE marked its hottest April on record with an average daily high of 42.6ºC. That topped the average daily high of 42.2ºC recorded in April 2017, said the NCM, which has been keeping comprehensive figures since 2003.

The rising temperatures come even before the astronomical start of summer, which is expected to begin on June 21, marked by the summer solstice.

A summer solstice is "the moment when the Sun reaches its highest and northernmost point in the sky", said Khadijah Al Hariri, Operations Manager at Dubai Astronomy Group.

In July last year, the UAE recorded a high of 50.8°C in Sweihan during peak summer — a number that this year’s May temperatures have already exceeded.

As temperatures cross 51°C, residents are strongly advised to take precautions to prioritise their health and safety.

Extreme heat in the UAE is more than a seasonal discomfort — it poses serious health risks, particularly for children, the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic health conditions.

With the hot season intensifying, staying informed and prepared is more critical than ever. Click here to learn more how stay safe this summer.