UAE heat tops 50°C as Bada Dafas records country’s highest temperature

Dubai, UAE - Temperatures in the United Arab Emirates surged past the 50°C threshold on Sunday, with Bada Dafas in Abu Dhabi's Al Dhafrah region logging the nation's highest recorded temperature at 50.1°C, according to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM). This scorching peak was documented at 1:30pm local time, as relentless late-summer heat continued to grip much of the country.

The NCM's data revealed that numerous other areas were also grappling with near-record heat. Owtaid measured 48.9°C, followed closely by Al Mirfa at 48.5°C, while Al Jazeera B.G. and Mezaira both hit 48.4°C. Throughout the day, the temperature map issued by the NCM depicted widespread readings exceeding 45°C across the UAE's inland and western regions.

Al Ruwais recorded a temperature of 47°C, while Al Ajban and Al Dhannah recorded 46.7°C and 45.7°C, respectively. Coastal areas and mountainous regions experienced comparatively milder conditions, with temperatures generally lower than those found in more inland locales. As the UAE approaches the closing days of August, when seasonal weather patterns typically begin to shift following the appearance of the Suhail star, the NCM maintains a 24/7 weather monitoring operation, issuing forecasts and warnings as needed.

The NCM's live radar network operated across the nation on Sunday, providing real-time updates on the country's evolving weather conditions. The NCM's temperature chart for Sunday, which covers the hours between 8am and 4:30pm UAE time, highlighted Bada Dafas as the region's hottest spot among the five stations with the highest readings.

Despite the gradual transition to more temperate conditions, the 50.1°C reading logged in Bada Dafas serves as a stark reminder that extreme summer heat can persist across the UAE, particularly in the interior and western regions, well into late August.