Mercury will be on the rise as UAE temperatures set to approach 50°C this week

People in the UAE are prepping up for another extreme summer as temperatures are set to approach 50°C this week. The National Centre of Meteorology is expecting the mercury to be on the rise across the country throughout the week, with dust storms also part of the forecast.

Temperatures are set to peak at 48°C on Thursday in Sila, the western region of Abu Dhabi. In its latest five-day bulletin, the weather bureau said the capital and Dubai could see the temperatures hovering around the early 40s for much of the week.

Emiratis in Dubai could find some respite on Friday as a cooler 37°C day is in store.

The Emirates typically finds the mercury climbing from May onwards each year, going beyond 50°C on occasions. Sweihan in Al Ain is well-established as one of the hottest places in the country. Temperatures reached 51.8°C in 2021 and topped 50°C in the area last year.

Over the coming week, residents can expect intense sunshine, but the sky will largely remain cloudy. Wind speeds could reach up to 25 kph, picking up sand and dust and bringing reduced visibility as a result.

Protecting Outdoor Workers From Heat

The Emirates has taken a number of steps to shield its outdoor workers from the searing summer heat. The compulsory midday break for them is set to get implemented on June 15, authorities informed Thursday.

The policy will remain in operation until mid-September. Companies caught breaking the rules and making people work in open spaces between 12:30 pm and 3 pm during this period will face penalties of up to Dh50,000.