ABU DHABI — The United Arab Emirates officially welcomed the summer season on Saturday, June 21, coinciding with the summer solstice — the longest day of the year.
According to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), residents can expect generally fair to partly cloudy skies, with a noticeable rise in humidity during the night and into Sunday morning.
The summer solstice, which began at 06:42 UAE time, marks the point when the sun reaches its highest and northernmost position in the sky. It is a key astronomical event that signals the beginning of the summer season in the Northern Hemisphere.
Khadijah Al Hariri, Operations Manager at the Dubai Astronomy Group (DAG), explained, “The solstice represents the peak of the sun’s arc across the sky, giving us the longest daylight hours of the year.”
This annual event ushers in a three-month period of intensified heat across the UAE, expected to last until the autumnal equinox around September 23.
During this time, authorities advise residents to take necessary precautions to stay safe under extreme heat conditions. Saturday’s weather forecast shows a significant spike in temperatures across the country.
Abu Dhabi is set to reach a high of 40°C with lows of 29°C, while Dubai may experience highs of 41°C and lows of 30°C. Al Ain, one of the country’s hottest inland cities, is expected to endure soaring temperatures of up to 45°C, with lows of 27°C.
Humidity levels are also expected to rise, particularly at night and in the early hours of Sunday. This increase in moisture content in the air may lead to the formation of fog or mist in some coastal and inland areas, potentially reducing visibility and affecting early morning commutes.
Wind conditions will remain generally light to moderate, shifting from southwesterly to northwesterly directions. Wind speeds are forecast to range between 10 and 20 km/h, with occasional gusts reaching up to 30 km/h.
Sea conditions will be slight to moderate in the Arabian Gulf and slight in the Oman Sea, making it relatively safe for maritime activities. With the advent of the hot season, health authorities and experts are urging the public to take sun safety seriously.
Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can lead to heat exhaustion, dehydration, or even sunstroke. Residents are advised to stay indoors during peak daylight hours, hydrate frequently, and wear light, breathable clothing when outdoors.
The start of summer also brings a range of seasonal phenomena and traditions across the UAE, including adjustments in daily schedules, increased use of cooling systems, and heightened demand for hydration and skin protection products.
For continuous updates on the weather and health advisories, residents are encouraged to follow the NCM and relevant local authorities. For tips on staying safe during extreme heat, visit the UAE Ministry of Health’s official website or follow Khaleej Times’ updates via WhatsApp Channels.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members