The UAE Summer is kicking off, and it is becoming hotter than ever before! From now till the official summer commencement, residents across the Emirates are already feeling the heat. The summer solstice marks the longest day of the year and welcomes what is expected to be a particularly atrocious season in terms of heat.
This year, experts warn that temperatures in the UAE could reach unprecedented levels above 50ºC; several areas of the country have already reported record-breaking highs during May. If you think it’s hot now, hold on tight — this is just the beginning.
It is Just the Beginning of an Intense Season
There could not have been a stronger warning for what is about to come than May. UAE residents have endured “untimely heat,” and numerous areas have already reached temperatures of approximately 50ºC on a few occasions, or rather far above. Even more astonishing is that these extremely high readings come before the start of the summer. This pre-summer heatwave in the UAE is clearly more than just a taste of discomfort and marks the beginning of an extended and fierce summer.
A temporary rise in heat is not the case here. The temperature rise in the UAE is but a hairline in a bigger story, intensified by climate change altering weather patterns. So expect this pattern to repeat itself with summers getting tougher every year, longer UAE heatwave, and more scorching days.
The Longest Day of the Year Is Almost Here
The June 21 summer solstice marks the longest daylight hours in a year for the sun devotees. Longer exposure to heat during summer means torturous hours for most UAE residents. More sunlight equals more time for the already high temperatures to escalate, especially in inland areas where urban heat effects compound the problem. Humidity, often much underplayed, plays an important role too. Particularly, combined high humidity and high temperatures make the hot weather UAE feel even more suffocating. In addition, the UAE temperature rise causes the risk of health issues such as dehydration, heat exhaustion, and sunstroke chances to increase.
UAE Climate Update: What You Should Know
As new heat patterns arise across the nation, climate experts keep sending alerts. This summer is predicted to be a record-breaking one with average highs and a number of consecutive days above 45ºC. Be it Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, or Al Ain, the trend is consistent, the UAE summer is getting hotter and faster.
In recent years, the government has made efforts to ameliorate the effects of harsh heat in the UAE, such as improving public cooling zones, shady walkways, and hydration centers throughout cities. On the other hand, individual awareness and preparedness remain the most important methods of self-protection against excessive temperatures.
Summer Safety Tips for Residents and Visitors
Now and then, full-fledged heatwaves take over the UAE, and it becomes imperative to keep prevention measures in place for oneself and for the family. The following are essential tips concerning safety:
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Stay Hydrated at All Times
Summer weather UAE will drain all the sweat out of you. Although you will not going to die of thirst, still, keep drinking water very frequently. It takes high temperatures, and dehydration sets in very quickly. Always carry refillable water bottles, especially while going outdoors.
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Dress Smart for the Weather
Wear cottons or linens in airy fabrics and bright colors so that the reflected sunrays can do their magic. The sunglasses, hats, and SPF sunscreen are not just members of this essential equipment bazaar; they are now a basic part of high-cut concern.
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Avoid Outdoor Activities during Peak Hours
Reduce outdoor exposure between 12 PM and 4 PM. It is during these hours that the sun exerts the best of its intensity. Go out during the morning or after sunset for those errands that need to be done outdoors.
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Warning Signs of Heat Illness
Dizziness causes loss of protection from sunburn with excessive sweating; sometimes accompanied by headaches or nausea, often points to heat exhaustion; for sunstroke, mainly in cases when someone faints, take them to a cool place, lie them down with their feet up, and give them small amounts of water. Seek emergency medical help if the situation worsens.
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Opt for Cooler, Indoor Activities
To stay active without much compromise on health, organize your outings at malls during summer indoors instead of jogging with good friends, or taking your dog to a pet-friendly park, or taking a walk along the beach, all after dark. Evening barbecues and late-night desert drives are also good options, and relatively safe.
Planning Ahead for a Safer Summer
During the next couple of weeks, the UAE will transition from the early summer phase to an even harsher full summer season. The updated climate of the UAE indicates that extreme temperature spikes can be expected, making this the right time to adjust the scheduling of outdoor work, re-evaluate air-conditioning systems, and adopt hydration into everyone’s daily lifestyle.
Extra care should be exercised in family households where there are kids and older people. The schools and offices should also keep their readiness for cooling plans and first-aid measures.
Final Thoughts
The summer in the UAE comes early, and so it arrives with a bang. Temperatures have crossed the 50ºC mark already, and the hottest heat wave of the year has started to make headlines. But the season can be enjoyed with gritted teeth under the right conditions and alertness. Thus, it is beneficial for both long-timers and newcomers to the UAE to know how to face the extreme heat UAE.
And for most seasonal updates and health tips regarding the hottest months, just be sure to check our guide on how to stay cool during the UAE summer and our emergency tips for heat stroke, because this year, the heat is not just coming, it is already here.
For more updates about the UAE lifestyle, stay connected with Khaleej Journal.
