The United Arab Emirates felt the heat turn up significantly this month, experiencing temperatures that have broke records for May. One specific location even hit over fifty-one degrees Celsius, indicating an unusually early start to the typically scorching summer season.

Sweihan reached a peak temperature

Sweihan in Al Ain registered a staggering 51.6 degrees Celsius on Saturday, May 24, precisely at 1:45PM, according to the National Center of Meteorology (NCM). This extreme measurement represents one of the highest temperatures recorded so far this year, highlighting an early arrival of the intense summer heat that usually hits the nation in later months.

READ NEXT: Avoid Leaving These 6 Items In Your Car To Prevent Summer Fires

 

Recommended

Abu Dhabi’s Latest Smart Service Helps Slash Ticket TroublesFalcons Turns Heads In Abu Dhabi With A Next-Level Luxury AuctionAbu Dhabi Is Set To Grow Millions Of Coral Reefs

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by لوڤن أبوظبي | Lovin Abu Dhabi (@lovinabudhabi)

May And April Records Tumbled

Just the day prior, on May 23, the UAE had already logged a sweltering 50.4 degrees Celsius.

The weather department confirmed this was the highest temperature recorded for May since they began keeping records in 2003. This follows a trend, as last month also saw the UAE mark its hottest April on record, with an average daily high of 42.6 degrees Celsius, surpassing the previous high of 42.2 degrees Celsius from April 2017, according to comprehensive figures maintained by the NCM.

أعلى درجة حرارة سجلت على الدولة هذا اليوم 51.6 درجة مئوية في سويحان (العين) الساعة 13:45 بالتوقيت المحلي لدولة الإمارات
The highest temperature recorded over the country today is 51.6°C in Sweihan (Al Ain) at 13:45 UAE Local time. pic.twitter.com/qA70JZSaId

— المركز الوطني للأرصاد (@ncmuae) May 24, 2025

Summer has arrived ahead of schedule!

These escalating temperatures are arriving even before summer’s astronomical start, which is scheduled for June 21, marked by the summer solstice.

For perspective, temperatures in May this year have already exceeded the 50.8 degrees Celsius high recorded in Sweihan during the peak of summer in July last year.

READ NEXT: Top Beaches In Abu Dhabi You Must Visit This Summer

Prioritising your safety in the heat

As temperatures climb past 51 degrees Celsius, residents receive strong advice to take necessary precautions to ensure their health and safety.

Extreme heat in the UAE presents significant health risks beyond mere seasonal discomfort, particularly for children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and those managing chronic health conditions.

With the hot season intensifying, staying informed and prepared becomes increasingly critical!

Watch The Lovin Abu Dhabi Show:

Get the latest Abu Dhabi news direct to your phone RN! Download The Lovin app for free RIGHT HERE. Get the latest trending stories to your phone on the App Store & Play Store.