The UAE has recorded its hottest August day in nine years, hitting 51.8°C in Sweihan, Al Ain. Experts link the extreme heat to seasonal thermal lows and monsoon influences. Here's what this means for the country's climate outlook.
The UAE has officially recorded its highest August temperature in nearly a decade. On August 1, 2025, the temperature in Sweihan, Al Ain, soared to a blistering 51.8°C, surpassing the previous August record of 51.4°C set in Mezaira in 2017. The reading was confirmed by the National Center of Meteorology (NCM).
This record-breaking heat marks a significant climatic shift, as rising temperatures in recent years continue to raise concerns about the effects of global warming and regional weather patterns.
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August is typically one of the hottest months in the UAE, with heat patterns extending from July due to persistent thermal lows. A major contributor to this heat is the Indian monsoon low-pressure system, which pushes hot air across the Arabian Peninsula. This system increases daytime temperatures and triggers weather phenomena like dusty winds and humid nights.
Another factor influencing August weather is the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ). This low-pressure belt near the equator brings warm, moist air that can lead to thunderstorms, particularly in eastern and southern regions of the UAE. These convective clouds can even produce rain during afternoons.
Sweihan, located in the Al Ain region, has long been known for its scorching summer temperatures. Due to its desert terrain and inland location, the area often experiences higher heat levels than coastal cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The latest reading of 51.8°C now makes it the hottest recorded August temperature since 2017, and one of the highest ever documented in the country.
Weather patterns in August also include shifting wind systems. At night and in the early morning, southeasterly breezes are common, while northerly winds dominate the daytime. Occasionally, strong southerly winds in the morning can cause dust storms, reducing visibility and impacting outdoor activities.
Humidity also plays a major role in making the heat feel even more intense. The mean relative humidity in August is about 47 per cent, slightly higher than July. In some areas, it can rise as high as 80 per cent, especially during the early morning and late evening.
According to historical weather data from the NCM:
Mean air temperature in August: 34.7°C to 36.5°C
Mean maximum temperature: 40.9°C to 43.2°C
Mean minimum temperature: 29.3°C to 31°C
Record low in August: 16.1°C at Jabal Mebreh in 2013
Highest wind gust: 127.8 km/h at Al Hayer in 2023
Highest recorded rainfall in August: 100.4 mm in Hamim in 2013
Most foggy days in August: 15 in 2018
With temperatures reaching extreme levels, health and safety experts continue to urge the public to take precautions. Residents are advised to:
Stay hydrated and avoid direct sunlight during peak hours
Limit outdoor activities, especially for children and the elderly
Follow weather alerts from official channels
The latest temperature record also underscores the importance of monitoring climate trends as the UAE and the wider region experience shifting weather patterns year after year.
