UAE temperatures to hit 46°C this week as persistent fog blankets coastal areas
The National Centre of Meteorology forecasts temperatures reaching 46°C in inland areas through Saturday, with humid conditions bringing repeated fog and mist formation overnight into early mornings across the coming week.
Omar Al Nuaimi
UAE temperatures to hit 46°C this week as persistent fog blankets coastal areas
Temperatures across the UAE could reach 46°C on Saturday in parts of the country, with humid conditions expected to bring recurring fog or mist overnight and into early mornings throughout the week, according to the National Centre of Meteorology.
The weather authority, established in 2007 under Federal Decree Law No. 6 issued by the late Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and operating under the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, forecasts fair to partly cloudy conditions in general with light to moderate winds across the country.
The highest temperatures are expected in inland areas, where readings will range from 41°C to 46°C. These forecasts align with the UAE's summer season, which runs from June to September and is characterized by temperatures that can climb to 50°C, particularly in southern parts, with mean temperatures ranging from 32°C to 37.2°C. While September typically sees average temperatures between 32.3°C and 34.2°C, the country has experienced record-breaking heat this year, with Sweihan recording 51.8°C on August 1, setting the all-time UAE temperature record during what was the warmest April and May on record.
Coastal areas and islands are forecast to reach between 36°C and 41°C, while temperatures in the mountains will range from 29°C to 35°C.
Humidity could reach 95 per cent in some coastal and inland areas, increasing the possibility of fog or mist late on Saturday and early Sunday. The persistent foggy mornings during September occur because the sea remains extremely warm after summer, causing large amounts of evaporation, while nights begin to cool slightly, allowing humidity to build near the ground.
This fog formation follows well-documented patterns, with radiation fog accounting for approximately 70 per cent of observed fog events in the UAE. These events typically form between 8pm and 2am local time and dissipate between 6am and 9am. Researchers at Khalifa University's Environmental and Geophysical Sciences Lab have identified the Sweihan desert and areas southwest of Abu Dhabi as two of the UAE's primary fog formation zones due to rapid overnight heat loss from open desert surfaces.
Abu Dhabi International Airport records an average of just under 24 fog days per year, with ranges from eight to 51 days annually, making it one of the foggiest major cities in the UAE. September 2014 recorded the highest number of fog days on record with 14 full days of fog and 12 days of light fog.
Winds will generally blow at 10 to 20km/h, reaching 30km/h at times. The Arabian Gulf and the Sea of Oman are expected to remain slight.
Sunday through Monday outlook
On Sunday, conditions will remain fair to partly cloudy, with clouds developing over eastern parts of the country. Humidity will rise again overnight and into Monday morning over some coastal and inland areas, bringing another possibility of fog or mist.
Winds are forecast to remain light to moderate at 10 to 20km/h, reaching 30km/h, while both seas should remain slight.
The weather pattern is expected to become slightly more unsettled in eastern areas on Monday, when clouds could become convective during the afternoon. Humid conditions will persist overnight and into Tuesday morning, with fog or mist possible in some coastal and inland areas.
Winds could strengthen slightly, reaching 35km/h at times, although conditions in the Arabian Gulf and the Sea of Oman are still forecast to remain slight.
Mid-week forecast
On Tuesday, fair to partly cloudy skies are expected, with clouds again appearing in the east. The recurring overnight humidity will bring another possibility of fog or mist by Wednesday morning.
Winds may reach 35km/h, while conditions in the Sea of Oman are forecast to become slight to moderate and could turn rough at times by late Tuesday night and Wednesday morning.
Similar conditions are forecast for Wednesday, with fair to partly cloudy skies and eastern cloud cover. Fog or mist could develop again overnight into Thursday over some coastal and inland areas.
The Arabian Gulf is expected to remain slight, while the Sea of Oman could be rough at times during the morning before easing to moderate or slight conditions later in the day.
