UAE Breaks May Heat Record Amid Climate Risks

The United Arab Emirates has broken its May temperature record for the second consecutive day, reaching 51.6°C in Sweihan, Al Ain and surpassing the previous 2009 record of 50.2°C. This historic heatwave underscores the region’s increasing vulnerability to climate change, with the Middle East warming almost twice as fast as the global average. High humidity and intermittent fog have led to red and yellow alerts in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, causing dangerous driving conditions due to reduced visibility. Coastal and inland temperatures range from the mid-30s to over 46°C, with forecasts warning of possible convective cloud formation and rainfall in some eastern regions. Sea conditions remain slight, offering limited relief for residents. Authorities warn that such extreme weather events are expected to become more frequent and severe, highlighting the urgent need for climate adaptation.