The United Arab Emirates has just gone through its hottest May in more than 20 years. Experts say the extreme heat is not only getting worse but also lasting longer each day, making it more difficult for people to cope.
According to Dr. Ahmed Habib from the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), the highest temperature recorded this May was a scorching 51.6 degrees Celsius. This extreme reading was measured in Sweihan, a town near Al Ain, on May 24. It marks the hottest day in May since the UAE began keeping official temperature records in 2003. The previous record for the hottest May temperature was 50.2 degrees Celsius, recorded in Al Shawamekh in 2009.
What makes this situation even more concerning is not just the rise in maximum temperatures, but also how long the heat lasts each day. In previous years, the hottest part of the day might have been shorter. Now, however, high temperatures are lasting for more hours, putting added pressure on people, animals, and infrastructure.
The average high temperature for May 2025 was recorded at 40.4 degrees Celsius. This is noticeably higher than the average of 39.2 degrees recorded over the past 21 years, between 2003 and 2024.
Experts believe that rising temperatures and longer periods of heat may be signs of ongoing climate change. The impact of such heatwaves is being felt in daily life, from increased use of electricity and air conditioning to health risks, especially for outdoor workers and vulnerable populations.
Authorities are urging people to stay hydrated, avoid going outside during peak heat hours, and take all necessary precautions to stay safe during this intense weather.
