The United Arab Emirates recorded unprecedented heat in April, with an average maximum temperature of 42.6 degrees Celsius over the past month — the highest in two decades for the oil-rich Gulf country.
The previous highest average maximum temperature for an April was 42.2 degrees Celsius, recorded in 2017, according to a calculation based on data provided to AFP by the National Center of Meteorology (NCM), whose records date back to 2003.
The country has been experiencing an unusual heatwave for the season in recent days, prompting authorities to issue public safety advisories, urging people to drink plenty of water and avoid outdoor activities during the hottest hours.
These conditions are due to thermal depressions coming from the desert that “generate a very hot air mass known as the southern wind,” explained Ahmed Habib, a meteorologist at the NCM.
On April 27, the thermometer hit 46.6 degrees Celsius in the emirate of Fujairah — the second-highest temperature ever recorded in April in the country, after a record of 46.9°C in April 2012.
In contrast, the same month last year was marked by record rainfall. The unprecedented downpours — the heaviest in 75 years — killed four people and paralyzed the city of Dubai for several days.
Scientists from the World Weather Attribution (WWA) network later concluded that the torrential rains were “very likely” exacerbated by climate change, mainly driven by the burning of fossil fuels.
The United Arab Emirates is one of the world’s leading oil exporters. It is also investing heavily in renewable energy.
AFP
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