Asphalt, car surfaces may reach 80°C-90°C during UAE summer afternoons, warns expert

Ibrahim Al Jarwan, Chairman of the Emirates Astronomical Society and a member of the Arab Union for Astronomy and Space Sciences, highlighted that when air temperatures reach 45°C, asphalt temperatures can soar significantly higher.

At 50°C, asphalt exposed to direct sunlight can heat up to between 80°C and 90°C during midday. Similarly, the temperature inside a closed car under direct sunlight for about an hour can range from 70°C to 80°C, with interior surfaces reaching as high as 90 to 95°C.

He further explained to Al Khaleej that in shaded areas, asphalt might vary between 45 and 55°C, while direct sunlight can push it up to 65–80°C. On days with strong solar radiation, temperatures can even surpass 80°C in certain areas.

Ibrahim Al Jarwan, Chairman of the Emirates Astronomical Society. File

With an air temperature of 45°C, asphalt surfaces typically measure around 70–75°C, although this can alter depending on several factors: the intensity of sunlight, the time of day (peaking between noon and afternoon), the asphalt's color (darker colors absorb more heat), wind speed, and humidity levels.

Interior Surfaces

When the air temperature reaches 45°C and a car is completely closed and parked under direct sunlight, the temperature inside the cabin can soar to approximately 65–75°C within an hour. Interior surfaces exposed to direct sunlight, such as the dashboard, seats, and steering wheel, may become even hotter, reaching 80–95°C or higher. At these extreme temperatures, surfaces can cause skin burns within seconds. Furthermore, this heat presents a serious hazard to children, pets, or anyone left inside the vehicle, even briefly. Entering a car under such conditions can lead to discomforts like shortness of breath, a racing heartbeat, and fatigue. To mitigate these risks, it is essential to open the doors or windows for at least 30 seconds prior to entry, allowing some of the trapped hot air to escape and creating a safer environment inside.

Desert Climate

Al Jarwan mentioned that these estimates accurately reflect conditions in hot desert climates, particularly in the summer months. The temperature variations are influenced by factors such as the car's color (with darker hues absorbing more heat), the interior color, the type of glass and insulation, the presence of window tinting, and how the car is positioned relative to the sun.

He noted that typically, when the temperature is at 40°C, asphalt exposed to direct sunlight at noon can reach 60–70°C. Similarly, in a closed car under direct sunlight for about an hour, temperatures inside can rise to 60–70°C, with interior surfaces potentially reaching 70–85°C. When the air temperature climbs to 45°C, asphalt temperatures under direct sunlight can soar to 70–80°C, while a closed car can see interior temperatures between 65–75°C, with inner surfaces reaching up to 80–90°C.