UAE hits highest May temperature on record at 51.6˚C
- Last updated: May 24, 2025 | 17:19
"The highest temperature recorded over the country today is 51.6˚C in Sweihan (Al Ain) at 13:45 UAE local time," the NCM said in a post on X, breaking a day-old record of 50.4°C set on Friday in the Abu Dhabi area. This is the highest temperature recorded in the country so far this summer in the UAE.
The meteorology office told AFP the highest ever temperature recorded in the UAE since documentation began in 2003 was reported at 52˚C on Abu Dhabi's Al Yasat Island in 2010.
The temperature in Sweihan — which lies 97km west of Abu Dhabi — and of 50.4˚C a day earlier in the Emirati capital exceeded the previous record for May of 50.2˚C recorded in 2009, according to the meteorology office.
On Saturday in Dubai, where high temperatures in the mid-40˚C were recorded, motorists complained air conditioning in their cars was struggling to stifle the sweltering heat, surprised the phenomenon had hit so early in the year.
On the streets, Dubai inhabitants were still out and about — some armed with parasols — and vendors selling water and local juice bars appeared to enjoy an uptick in customers.
Officials and doctors are urging people to avoid outdoor activities and stay hydrated during peak afternoon hours. The also urging residents to take all necessary precautions to protect against heat-related illnesses.
The NCM predicts that the weather on Sunday is expected to be generally clear, with partly cloudy conditions at times in the eastern regions.
