The National Centre of Meteorology set inland highs near 49ºC with humidity spiking around 90%. This brief explains recent records, what drives the humidity, and how the UAE compares to global extremes using only reported facts.
The NCM forecasted highs of 49ºC and reported a 49.5ºC observation in Sweihan (Al Ain) on the same day.
Local infrastructure — near-universal air conditioning, temperature-controlled pools, refill stations and shaded parking — reduces some everyday risks, even as El Niño increases seasonal extremes.
# What's happening today
Meteorology (NCM) issued a bulletin setting daytime highs around 49ºC with humidity peaking near 90%. The NCM also reported that the highest temperature recorded across the country that day was 49.5ºC in Sweihan (Al Ain) at 13:00 local time.
The forecast arrived during an El Niño year, a cyclical climate pattern linked to higher global temperatures. International reports cited in the story include unusually strong El Niño conditions and heatwaves across countries such as the UK, Belgium, Spain, France, Greece and Japan.
# How hot has the UAE been historically
The UAE's official highest-ever temperature is 52.1ºC, recorded in July 2002. That reading was taken with specialist, shaded, calibrated equipment. Although it can feel hotter on pavement or inside parked cars, official records use controlled conditions.
For global context, the World Meteorological Organization recognises the highest measured temperature on Earth as 56.7ºC in Death Valley on July 10, 1913.
# Why it feels so humid now
Three weather factors combine to create intense humidity in late August and early September:
The result is moist nights, humid mornings and a general feeling of heaviness that raises heat-stress even if air temperature alone doesn't break national records.
# Regional and seasonal notes
Related forecasts and regional reports noted highs of roughly 48ºC to 49ºC in inland areas at other times this summer, and occasional convective clouds and showers are possible in some eastern and southern parts of the country during the season.
# Practical context for residents
Long-term residents are familiar with summer extremes and the UAE's everyday mitigations: widespread air conditioning, temperature-controlled pools, water bottle refill stations and shaded parking. These measures lower immediate risks for many, though heat and humidity still create hazards in outdoor settings and inside parked vehicles.
# Bottom line
Temperatures near 49ºC with very high humidity are intense but not unprecedented for the UAE. The country's official peak remains 52.1ºC (2002), while global extremes exceed that. Current conditions are amplified by seasonal Gulf dynamics and the broader El Niño pattern, producing very moist, sweltering days.
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