Picture for illustrative purposes only. EXPAT MEDIA

The UAE is preparing for soaring temperatures approaching 50°C as summer officially gets underway, while large parts of Europe continue to battle an intense heatwave. Summer officially began in the UAE on Saturday (June 21) with the astronomical summer solstice and will continue until the autumnal equinox on September 23. According to forecasts, temperatures across parts of the country are expected to reach around 48°C on Wednesday (June 24). The UAE has entered its hottest period of the year, with the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) recently recording one of the highest temperatures of the season when Sweihan in Al Ain reached 49.4°C at 12:45pm on Saturday (June 20). Other locations also experienced extreme heat, with Mezaira recording 48.6°C, while Um Azimul and Mukhariz both reached 48.3°C. Al Quaa recorded 48.1°C. Ibrahim Al Jarwan, Chairman of the Emirates Astronomical Society and member of the Arab Union for Astronomy and Space Sciences, said the UAE is currently experiencing the longest days of the year. Between June 18 and June 24, daylight lasts up to 13 hours and 50 minutes. Al Jarwan said average daytime temperatures during the first half of summer, from June 21 to August 10, are expected to range between 41°C and 43°C, while overnight temperatures are likely to remain between 27°C and 31°C.

Europe faces deadly heatwave

While the UAE experiences its typical summer conditions, Europe is grappling with an unusually intense early-season heatwave. Temperatures exceeding 40°C have been recorded across parts of Southern and Western Europe, prompting governments to issue health warnings, restrict outdoor activities and advise residents to protect vulnerable individuals. France, Spain and the United Kingdom have all issued severe weather alerts as temperatures continue to rise. French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said approximately 40 people have died since June 18 while attempting to escape the extreme heat. According to Lecornu, most of the victims were young people who drowned while swimming in unsupervised waters to cool off during the heatwave. Authorities have warned that the extreme conditions are expected to persist through the weekend. Meteorologists say the contrasting developments in the UAE and Europe highlight the growing frequency and intensity of extreme heat events around the world. Health authorities continue to advise residents to remain hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and take precautions during the hottest parts of the day. In the UAE, officials are also reminding outdoor workers and residents to follow summer safety guidelines as temperatures continue to climb during the peak season. ICA/Expat Media
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