The United Arab Emirates is firmly in the grip of a scorching summer, with the mercury hitting a staggering 49.8°C in Abu Dhabi’s Al Dhafra region this past Wednesday. According to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), this peak temperature was logged in the early afternoon, marking a notable climb from the 49.4°C recorded in Sweihan just days prior. Meteorologists emphasize that this intense heat is characteristic of the current season, and residents should prepare for further spikes that could frequently push past the 50°C threshold in the coming months.

Despite the punishing sun, the UAE's weather remains unpredictable, as evidenced by heavy rainfall that surprised parts of the country on the same day. Video footage captured sudden showers across eastern mountainous areas, such as Shawka and Watan Street, highlighting a contrast to the extreme heat. Meanwhile, global climate experts at the World Meteorological Organisation are monitoring the strengthening El Niño phenomenon, which is expected to influence weather patterns worldwide through the end of the year, potentially raising the stakes for extreme climate events both locally and globally.