The United Arab Emirates is experiencing a record heatwave as temperatures in the desert, inland and coastal areas of the Arabian Peninsula rise by two to three degrees. The NCM has predicted that this heatwave will continue for five days, with temperatures hovering between 40°C and 45°C in various cities today.
The highest temperature recorded was 50.8C in Al Shawamekh, Abu Dhabi and Sweihan, Al Ain on Tuesday, according to the National Center for Meteorology (NCM). The temperature peaked at 14:45 in Al Shawamekh and 15:45 in Sweihan.
Earlier this year, in April, Dubai experienced its heaviest rainfall in 75 years, in stark contrast to the current heat wave. These fluctuations highlight the region’s vulnerability to climate change.
The changes did not go unnoticed by the UAE government, in fact it published a National Adaptation Plan in 2023, just before the COP28 global conference was held, assessing the country’s vulnerability to climate impacts.
The report warns of a possible increase in average annual temperatures of 2-3°C from 2060 and a possible doubling of annual rainfall in Dubai, Sharjah and the northern emirates.
The ongoing heat wave is a reminder of the urgent need for climate resilience and proactive measures to mitigate the effects of climate change.
