Latest news with #AhmedHabib
Khaleej Times
27-05-2025
- Climate
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Cooler days ahead as temperatures dip after record-breaking heatwaves
After days of intense heat, residents across the UAE can look forward to some cooler days. A senior meteorologist has confirmed that temperatures will begin to dip by four to five degrees in the coming days, offering a welcome break from the severe heatwave that has gripped the country. The scorching conditions were caused by an internal low-pressure system from the south of the UAE, pushing hot desert air across the region. This past weekend saw temperatures soar to a staggering 51.6°C in Sweihan, Al Ain, marking the hottest May day ever recorded in the country since 2003. The previous record stood at 50.2°C in Al Shawamekh, Abu Dhabi, experienced in 2009. What caused the heatwave? Ahmed Habib, a meteorologist at the National Center of Meteorology (NCM), said the shift in weather is already underway. 'Over the past few days, we've been under the influence of an internal low-pressure system originating from the southern part of the UAE. It was accompanied by a very hot air mass moving from the desert into our region — particularly affecting the interior areas — before extending northward to the coastal regions,' he told Khaleej Times on Monday. Habib added, 'This has led to a heatwave caused by the extension of thermal low pressure from the desert towards our area. Starting today (Monday), however, this low-pressure system is expected to weaken and shift eastward. As a result, we are now beginning to feel the effects of northwesterly winds linked to a high-pressure system moving in from the north. This high-pressure system will gradually reduce temperatures, especially along the coast, with the western UAE seeing the earliest impact.' Residents in coastal and western parts of the country may have already noticed the difference, with temperatures dropping by 3°C to 4°C on Monday, with more good news ahead. 'On Tuesday, we expect a general drop in temperatures across the UAE, with a decrease of about 4-5°C,' Habib added. Rare events, not typical occurrences While 50°C-plus temperature is uncommon, Dr Habib said such extremes, though rare, do happen from time to time. 'As we know it happened around 2009… such extreme temperatures are typically linked to specific pressure systems and are considered exceptional rather than the norm. Fluctuations in temperature — rising and falling — are quite common and are not limited to the UAE. This pattern is observed across the Middle East, including in countries like Egypt and Jordan, where heatwaves are often followed by a noticeable drop in temperature, depending on the prevailing pressure systems.' But the weather rollercoaster isn't quite over yet. 'After Monday, temperatures will rise on Thursday, May 29, followed by a drop again. A further decrease in temperatures is expected on May 31 and June 1,' he said. This recent spell follows a record-breaking April, where the UAE logged its hottest April on record with an average daily high of 42.6°C, surpassing the previous high of 42.2°C in April 2017. As the country moves through the tail-end of spring, the unpredictable weather is expected to continue for a few more weeks. 'Spring in the Middle East typically continues until June 21-22. During this season, the weather is often unstable and shifts quickly, with occasional heatwaves, strong winds, or heavy rainfall. This contrasts with summer, when weather conditions tend to remain stable and consistent,' added Habib.
Time Out Dubai
26-05-2025
- Climate
- Time Out Dubai
UAE weather: Record-breaking temperatures in May
The United Arab Emirates has had its hottest ever May, according to the National Centre of Meteorology. The scorching UAE weather in May has seen temperatures soar beyond 51°C in some parts of the country in the past week, breaking the previous record for May of 50.2°C set in 2009. On Saturday May 24, temperatures hit 51.6°C in Sweihan near Al Ain – marking the hottest May ever. It was the second consecutive day that the record was broken, with temperatures hitting 50.4°C in Al Shawamekh in Abu Dhabi on Friday May 23. The good news is that the peak heat in May is now over and that we can expect temperatures to drop slightly before the start of June. As summer approaches, NCM meteorologist Dr Ahmed Habib has explained the cause of the high temperatures. He said: 'We are affected by a very hot air mass coming from over the desert to our area, associated with a thermal low. 'This area is very, very hot. We are affected by this air mass, which has meant temperatures reaching between 49 and 51. 'But this low pressure will move east and the temperature will gradually decrease in the UAE. 'We've recorded extreme temperatures in May this year. The highest recorded in 25 years.' The Dubai summer will officially begin on Saturday June 21. In addition to a record-breaking May, the UAE also experienced its hottest April since records began, with average daily highs of 42.6°C. However, Dr Habib explains that the record-breaking months don't necessarily mean that we'll have temperatures that will continue to break records in June and July – but that we should be braced for humidity. He added: 'It depends on the pressure system. What we haven't had during the peak temperatures in May is humidity. We've had a dry heat until now. 'But in the summer, I think this will change. There will likely be a hot and humid air mass associated with the Indian monsoon season coming our way. 'It depends on where the air mass is coming from. If it comes from over the sea, then the humidity will increase. If it's coming from the desert, it will not increase so much.' Looking to stay cool in the heat? Check out the best things to do indoors in Dubai (with AC). Dubai public holiday info you need to know UAE public holidays 2025: When are all the public holidays this year? The dates to know UAE public holidays law explained: What happens if a day off is on a weekend The law has changed in 2025 Everything you need to know about annual leave in Dubai Know your rights
Time of India
03-05-2025
- Climate
- Time of India
UAE had hottest April on record: Met office
Representative image DUBAI: The United Arab Emirates endured its hottest April on record with an average daily high of 42.6 degrees Celsius (108.7 Fahrenheit), the National Center of Meteorology (NCM) said. That topped the average daily high of 42.2 Celsius (108 Fahrenheit) recorded in April 2017, said the centre, which has been keeping comprehensive figures since 2003. The oil-rich Gulf state has been gripped by a heatwave for several days that has prompted authorities to warn residents to drink plenty of fluids and avoid work outdoors during the hottest part of the day. NCM meteorologist Ahmed Habib said the culprit was a mass of very hot air that had blown in from the desert. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buenos Aires: AI guru Andrew Ng recommends: Read These 5 Books And Turn Your Life Aroun... Blinkist: Andrew Ng's Reading List Undo On April 27, temperatures in the emirate of Fujairah peaked at 46.6 Celsius (115.9 Fahrenheit), the second highest ever recorded in April in the UAE. This year's heatwave stands in stark contrast to April 2024, when the UAE was swept by its heaviest rains in 75 years. Four people died and the commercial hub of Dubai was paralysed for several days. Scientists of the World Weather Attribution network said last year's rains were "very likely" exacerbated by global warming. The UAE is one of the world's top oil exporters, but has also invested heavily in renewable energy.
Arab News
02-05-2025
- Climate
- Arab News
UAE had hottest April on record: met office
DUBAI: The UAE endured its hottest April on record with an average daily high of 42.6 degrees Celsius (108.7 Fahrenheit), the National Center of Meteorology (NCM) said. That topped the average daily high of 42.2 Celsius (108 Fahrenheit) recorded in April 2017, said the center, which has been keeping comprehensive figures since 2003. UAE has been gripped by a heatwave for several days that has prompted authorities to warn residents to drink plenty of fluids and avoid work outdoors during the hottest part of the day. NCM meteorologist Ahmed Habib said the culprit was a mass of very hot air that had blown in from the desert. On April 27, temperatures in the emirate of Fujairah peaked at 46.6 Celsius (115.9 Fahrenheit), the second highest ever recorded in April in the UAE. This year's heatwave stands in stark contrast to April 2024, when the UAE was swept by its heaviest rains in 75 years, in which four people died. Scientists of the World Weather Attribution network said last year's rains were 'very likely' exacerbated by global warming.
France 24
02-05-2025
- Climate
- France 24
UAE had hottest April on record: met office
That topped the average daily high of 42.2 Celsius (108 Fahrenheit) recorded in April 2017, said the centre, which has been keeping comprehensive figures since 2003. The oil-rich Gulf state has been gripped by a heatwave for several days that has prompted authorities to warn residents to drink plenty of fluids and avoid work outdoors during the hottest part of the day. NCM meteorologist Ahmed Habib said the culprit was a mass of very hot air that had blown in from the desert. On April 27, temperatures in the emirate of Fujairah peaked at 46.6 Celsius (115.9 Fahrenheit), the second highest ever recorded in April in the UAE. This year's heatwave stands in stark contrast to April 2024, when the UAE was swept by its heaviest rains in 75 years. Four people died and the commercial hub of Dubai was paralysed for several days. Scientists of the World Weather Attribution network said last year's rains were "very likely" exacerbated by global warming. The UAE is one of the world's top oil exporters, but has also invested heavily in renewable energy.
