It's getting hotter and hotter

Forecasters warned on Wednesday of a steady increase in the already baking summer heat in the next couple of days across the emirates. The increase in temperature, said the forecaster, is likely to continue at least until June 15 during which the weather will remain hot and hazy. There are, however, chances of some clouds developing over the eastern mountain areas. Mercury has already shot up to 47 degree Celsius in the desert areas and 44 degrees, at times, in the coastal areas. “We expect the daytime temperature between 44 and 48 degree Celsius, dropping down to 28 to 32 degree Celsius at night,” he said. The western region of Abu Dhabi has also been suffering from suspended dust in the air that has reduced visibility. The National Centre of Meteorology and Seismology (NCMS) on Wednesday warned people of blowing and suspended dust in the city and its suburbs such as Liwa, Mirfa, and Tarif up to the outskirts of Abu Dhabi. The conditions have resulted in poor air quality that could trigger breathing problems among the elderly and children. A meteorologist said the ground-level of ozone, or smog, has reached unhealthy levels. Big cities such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah, have seen increased humidity, pollution from vehicles, and dust. Poor air quality could cause problem for the elderly, children, and people with respiratory problems, he said. Santosh Kumar, an Indian expatriate in Al Ain, said the city has been baking under the sun and many expatriates and nationals have been awaiting the school holidays to enable them to go abroad and escape the heat. “School children have been facing a real tough time,” he said. He said he has advised his kids to take extra care and stay out of sunlight and hot environment particularly between 12 pm to 5pm. The NCMS said the weather will be hot in general and hazy at times over some areas. Winds will be light to moderate in general, freshening at times and causing blowing dust in some internal areas. Sea is likely to be slight to moderate rough.