UAE Records Highest Temperature of 42.9°C Ahead of Summer
42.9°C recorded in UAE marks early summer trend amid changing weather patterns and El Niño predictions.
The UAE has recorded its highest temperature this year, reaching 42.9°C on Tuesday, April 21, as confirmed by the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM).
Read More: How to keep cool this summer
The temperature reading was noted in Owtaid, located in the Al Dhafra Region, at 2:00 PM local time, representing a significant rise compared to previous days. On April 15, the highest temperature in the UAE was 35°C, recorded in Um Azimul, Al Ain, at 1:45 PM.
Despite this recent spike, residents have experienced milder-than-usual mornings and afternoons in recent weeks. Many described the cooler air as reminiscent of winter lingering longer than usual, rather than the usual transition into summer.
Changes in weather patterns have brought noticeable shifts, such as dust-laden winds in inland areas and increasing cloud cover. Meteorologists have attributed these cooler conditions to broader atmospheric patterns rather than any unusual anomalies.
Experts noted factors like changing wind systems, interacting air masses, and cloud formations have influenced the mid-April weather. While temperatures are expected to rise soon, meteorologists anticipate the continued presence of cloud cover, varying winds, and occasional light rain across parts of the country in the coming days.
Hotter and Humid Summer Expected in the UAE and GCC
The UAE and the Gulf region are likely to experience a hotter and more humid summer this year. Early indicators suggest the potential return of the El Niño climate phenomenon later in 2026.
According to updates from meteorological agencies, El Niño is expected to emerge between May and July, with a high likelihood of lasting through the end of the year. Rising subsurface ocean temperatures in the Pacific and weakening equatorial trade winds are considered key signs of its development.
Forecasters believe the phenomenon will peak during autumn and early winter of 2026-2027. While it may intensify significantly and approach a "Super El Niño" threshold, this scenario remains uncertain depending on prevailing wind patterns.
Globally, El Niño often weakens the Atlantic hurricane season, disrupts the Indian monsoon, increases rainfall in parts of the Americas, and contributes to additional global warming. Regionally, it could impact the Arabian Peninsula, potentially shifting moisture westward due to Indian monsoon disruptions, enhancing humidity over the Arabian Sea, and improving late summer and autumn rainfall prospects for Yemen and Oman.
Read More: Summer Activities to Do at Home
AI contributed to the creation of this article.