The National Centre of Meteorology warns of contrasting weather patterns, including convective cloud formation in eastern and southern areas alongside severe heat inland.
DUBAI, August 18, 2026:Extremely high summer heat will grip parts of the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday, pushing temperatures up to 50°C inland while afternoon convective clouds bring a risk of localized rain, blowing dust, and overnight fog.
The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) issued a bulletin detailing sharply contrasting conditions across the country. While fair to partly cloudy skies will dominate most regions, convective cloud formations are projected to build over eastern and southern areas during the afternoon, bringing localized rainfall.
Internal areas will bear the brunt of the heatwave, with mercury levels hovering between 45°C and 50°C. Coastal locations and islands are expected to record maximum temperatures between 39°C and 45°C, whereas mountainous regions will offer relative relief, ranging from 33°C to 39°C.
Light to moderate winds are expected across the territory but will freshen periodically, whipping up sand and dust. Wind speeds could reach 40 km/h in inland and mountainous zones and up to 35 km/h along the coast, significantly reducing horizontal visibility in open areas.
Humidity levels will climb overnight into Wednesday morning over some western districts, increasing the likelihood of fog or mist formation that could impact early morning commutes. Maritime conditions will remain relatively calm, with the Arabian Gulf experiencing slight sea conditions and the Oman Sea remaining slight to moderate.
The NCM expects similar atmospheric patterns to persist on Wednesday, featuring potential afternoon rain in the south and east alongside sustained winds up to 40 km/h. Temperatures are projected to ease slightly by Thursday, though gusty winds may continue to stir up loose dust and cause rough sea conditions in western parts of the Arabian Gulf.
Looking ahead to Friday and Saturday, the meteorology center forecasts fair to partly cloudy weather overall, with cloud cover persisting in eastern regions and overnight humidity maintaining a risk of coastal fog.
