UAE: Cooler days ahead as temperatures dip after record-breaking heatwaves

After days of intense heat, residents across the UAE can look forward to some cooler days.

A senior meteorologist has confirmed that temperatures will begin to dip by four to five degrees in the coming days, offering a welcome break from the severe heatwave that has gripped the country.

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The scorching conditions were caused by an internal low-pressure system from the south of the UAE, pushing hot desert air across the region. This past weekend saw temperatures soar to a staggering 51.6°C in Sweihan, Al Ain, marking the hottest May day ever recorded in the country since 2003. The previous record stood at 50.2°C in Al Shawamekh, Abu Dhabi, experienced in 2009.

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What caused the heatwave?

Ahmed Habib, a meteorologist at the National Center of Meteorology (NCM), said the shift in weather is already underway.

“Over the past few days, we’ve been under the influence of an internal low-pressure system originating from the southern part of the UAE. It was accompanied by a very hot air mass moving from the desert into our region — particularly affecting the interior areas — before extending northward to the coastal regions,” he told Khaleej Times on Monday.

Habib added, “This has led to a heatwave caused by the extension of thermal low pressure from the desert towards our area. Starting today (Monday), however, this low-pressure system is expected to weaken and shift eastward. As a result, we are now beginning to feel the effects of northwesterly winds linked to a high-pressure system moving in from the north. This high-pressure system will gradually reduce temperatures, especially along the coast, with the western UAE seeing the earliest impact.”

Residents in coastal and western parts of the country may have already noticed the difference, with temperatures dropping by 3°C to 4°C on Monday, with more good news ahead. “On Tuesday, we expect a general drop in temperatures across the UAE, with a decrease of about 4-5°C,” Habib added.

Rare events, not typical occurrences

While 50°C-plus temperature is uncommon, Dr Habib said such extremes, though rare, do happen from time to time.

“As we know it happened around 2009… such extreme temperatures are typically linked to specific pressure systems and are considered exceptional rather than the norm. Fluctuations in temperature — rising and falling — are quite common and are not limited to the UAE. This pattern is observed across the Middle East, including in countries like Egypt and Jordan, where heatwaves are often followed by a noticeable drop in temperature, depending on the prevailing pressure systems.”

But the weather rollercoaster isn’t quite over yet. “After Monday, temperatures will rise on Thursday, May 29, followed by a drop again. A further decrease in temperatures is expected on May 31 and June 1,” he said.

This recent spell follows a record-breaking April, where the UAE logged its hottest April on record with an average daily high of 42.6°C, surpassing the previous high of 42.2°C in April 2017.

As the country moves through the tail-end of spring, the unpredictable weather is expected to continue for a few more weeks.

“Spring in the Middle East typically continues until June 21-22. During this season, the weather is often unstable and shifts quickly, with occasional heatwaves, strong winds, or heavy rainfall. This contrasts with summer, when weather conditions tend to remain stable and consistent,” added Habib.

Nandini Sircar

nandini@khaleejtimes.com

Nandini Sircar has a penchant for education, space, and women's narratives. She views the world through a prism of learning: whether it's the earthly pursuit of wisdom or the unearthly mysteries of space. In her written universe, women and children take centre stage.