UAE weather to cool off slightly this week after weekend heatwave

There will be a considerable drop in temperature by Thursday

Visitor numbers have surged as the world's fair entered its final week, with more than 1.8 million visits in one week. All photos: Chris Whiteoak / The National

Children make a splash at Expo 2020 Dubai.

Visitors record footage of Expo attractions as souvenirs of the event.

Crowds gather to enjoy one of the final Fridays at Expo 2020 Dubai. With a week to go, more than 20 million visits had been recorded.

The world's fair offers something for visitors of all ages, say organisers.

The spectacular Saudi Arabia pavilion has been a top attraction throughout the Expo's six-month run.

With the surge in visit numbers, organisers believe the final tally will be close to the original 25 million target.

Visitors line up to visit the Palestine pavilion.

Expo visitors explore the site and enjoy the atmosphere.

The German pavilion has been one of the most popular at Expo 2020 Dubai.

Expo 2020 Dubai is the place to be and to be seen.

Visitors enjoy a day out at Expo 2020 Dubai.

Young Expo visitors make racing cars at the Family Place.

A family having fun at the Expo.

Party time at the world's fair on Friday. Special events have been lined up before Expo 2020 Dubai ends on March 31.

Temperatures are expected to cool slightly over the next few days after the mercury peaked above 40°C in some areas of the UAE over the weekend.

The highest temperature recorded on Saturday was in the Al Shawamekh area of Abu Dhabi, rising to 40.7°C just before 3pm.

While the hot weather will continue as the summer draws closer, residents will get some respite from the sweltering heat this week, with temperatures expected to hit the mid to high thirties from Monday to Wednesday.

On Monday, the weather will be fair to partly cloudy at times over some areas, with more cloud formation expected over mountainous regions.

There will be light to moderate winds, with a speed of 10 to 20kmph, reaching 30 kmph over coastal areas.

In Abu Dhabi on Monday, the mercury will rise to 38°C during the hottest part of the day, with humidity at about 75 per cent.

Dubai will start the working week off slightly cooler, with expected temperatures of 36°C, climbing gradually to 38°C by Wednesday.

As per the NCM’s forecast, Thursday will see a considerable drop in temperature, from the high thirties at the start of the week to the low thirties as the week comes to an end.

“[Thursday] will be dusty and partly cloudy in general, with a significant decrease in temperatures,” the forecaster said.

“Fresh to strong northwesterly winds expected, especially over the sea causing blowing and suspended dust reducing the horizontal visibility over some exposed areas.

“The sea will be rough to very rough in the Arabian Gulf.”