The UAE recorded the hottest temperature for May on Friday, when it hit 50.4°C in Al Shawamekh, Abu Dhabi.
It was the highest temperature in May since records began in 2003, the National Centre of Meteorology confirmed to The National. The previous record for May was 50.2°C, in 2009.
Other areas of the country were not far behind Al Shawamekh on Friday. The temperature hit 48°C in Mezaira and Swehain, and peaked at 46°C in Abu Dhabi. In Dubai it reached 44°C.
The national weather centre predicts temperatures will reach 49°C in Al Ain on Saturday and 48°C in Swehain. Abu Dhabi and Dubai will experience highs of 47°C.
The heat will continue on Sunday, with 48°C expected in Al Ain. Temperatures in Abu Dhabi are forecast to hit 47°C, with Dubai enjoying an ever-so-slightly cooler 44°C.
The UAE experienced the warmest April since 2003, with average daily highs of 42.6°C.
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Cultural fiesta
What: The Al Burda Festival
When: November 14 (from 10am)
Where: Warehouse421, Abu Dhabi
The Al Burda Festival is a celebration of Islamic art and culture, featuring talks, performances and exhibitions. Organised by the Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development, this one-day event opens with a session on the future of Islamic art. With this in mind, it is followed by a number of workshops and “masterclass” sessions in everything from calligraphy and typography to geometry and the origins of Islamic design. There will also be discussions on subjects including ‘Who is the Audience for Islamic Art?’ and ‘New Markets for Islamic Design.’ A live performance from Kuwaiti guitarist Yousif Yaseen should be one of the highlights of the day.
Tearful appearance
Chancellor Rachel Reeves set markets on edge as she appeared visibly distraught in parliament on Wednesday.
Legislative setbacks for the government have blown a new hole in the budgetary calculations at a time when the deficit is stubbornly large and the economy is struggling to grow.
She appeared with Keir Starmer on Thursday and the pair embraced, but he had failed to give her his backing as she cried a day earlier.
A spokesman said her upset demeanour was due to a personal matter.
