DUBAI – It looks like the cooler spring days are officially behind us. If you are stepping out in the UAE today, Wednesday, April 29, prepare for a noticeable shift as the summer heat begins to make its presence felt.
According to the latest forecast by the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), residents can expect generally fair to partly cloudy skies, but the real story is the rising mercury and the dusty breeze sweeping across the country.
Temperatures Spiking Up to 44 C
The weather department has noted a clear upward trend in temperatures starting today. While the skies might look fair, the heat will be intense, particularly in the internal regions of the country.
Some parts of the UAE will see temperatures soaring up to a scorching 44 C. For those living and working in major hubs like Dubai, the heat will still be highly noticeable, with daytime highs expected to reach up to 39 C. It is highly advised to stay hydrated and avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight during peak afternoon hours.
Windy Conditions and Blowing Dust
Alongside the heat, Wednesday will bring a significant amount of wind. Light to moderate southeasterly winds will blow across the country, eventually shifting to a northwesterly direction as the day progresses.
These winds will freshen at times, which means commuters and pedestrians should be on alert. Gusts will start gently at 10 to 25 km/h but are expected to pick up speed, reaching up to 40 km/h. This sudden increase in wind speed is very likely to cause blowing dust and sand, which could temporarily reduce visibility on open highways.
Marine Warnings for the Evening
If you were planning an evening boat trip or a late-night swim, you might want to reconsider. The NCM has issued specific guidance regarding sea conditions for Wednesday.
While the Arabian Gulf will be slight to moderate during the day, conditions are expected to become rough at times by night offshore. Meanwhile, the Oman Sea will remain relatively calm, with slight conditions expected throughout the day.
The Bottom Line: Dress light, keep a bottle of water handy, and drive carefully through any dusty patches on the road today. Summer is officially knocking on the door.