The UAE just endured its hottest May in 24 years, with the mercury hitting a blistering 51.6°C (124.9°F) in Sweihan, Abu Dhabi—marking a dangerous new milestone in the region’s climate crisis. As heat records shatter, experts warn this could be the new normal for Gulf summers.
By the Numbers:
51.6°C: Peak temp recorded on May 24 (near Al Ain).
3°C Above Average: May 2024 was significantly hotter than past decades.
Nighttime Lows of 38°C: Even “cool” hours brought oven-like conditions.
Human & Economic Toll:
Construction Slowdowns: Midday work bans expanded (now 12:30 PM–3:00 PM).
Power Grid Strain: AC demand pushed electricity usage 22% higher than 2023.
Health Alerts: Hospitals reported 15% spike in heatstroke cases.
