Dubai is grappling with a severe heatwave, with “feels like” temperatures reaching a scorching 62°C (143.6 Fahrenheit) according to US weather reports. While the official air temperature sits at a still-high 43°C (109°F), extreme humidity creates a dangerous heat index far exceeding the actual temperature.
This combination of heat and humidity pushes the heat index to worrying levels, approaching the limit of human tolerance. So-called “wet-bulb temperatures” exceeding 35°C (95°F) can be fatal within six hours of exposure. This metric considers both heat and humidity, as high humidity prevents sweat from evaporating, hindering the body’s ability to cool itself.
Meteorologists warn that recklessly venturing outside during these conditions can in some situations be life-threatening. They attribute the extreme heat to a confluence of factors, including Dubai’s geographical location near the Tropic of Cancer, the urban heat island effect, rising humidity due to its proximity to the Arabian Gulf, and the influence of global climate change.
Local authorities urge residents and tourists to take precautions: stay hydrated, avoid peak-hour outdoor activities, and seek air-conditioned spaces.
This heatwave follows chaotic weather events earlier this year when Dubai experienced an entire year’s worth of rain in a single day.
The extreme heat also raises concerns about energy consumption, worker safety, and the impact on tourism in a region known for its summer heat.
With record-breaking power usage as residents crank up air conditioners, scientists warn that while high summer temperatures are typical for Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the intensity of this heatwave aligns with a global trend of more frequent and severe extreme weather events linked to climate change.