More high humidity on way, warn forecasters

Highs of 100 per cent humidity could be repeated over weekend

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High humidity levels that have drenched shirts and made outdoor activity almost impossible for people across the UAE are set to linger until at least Sunday, forecasters said.

Parts of Abu Dhabi and Dubai hit 100 per cent humidity during the week and meteorologists said levels could be repeated over the weekend as northwesterly and northeasterly winds continue to push moisture-laden air in from the sea.

Forecasters from the National Centre of Meteorology said the weather would continue to be extremely hot on Friday and Saturday, with temperatures heading towards 50C on both days. It will also be hazy at times, with some cloud cover over the east coast such as Fujairah. Only a 20 per cent chance of rain over the next 48 hours is predicted.

“The humidity will continue,” said an NCM spokesman on Thursday. “The air flow is bringing the moisture from the Arabian Gulf and Arabian Sea.”

High humidity across the Emirates on Wednesday was accompanied by rain, hail and dust clouds, making life difficult for commuters. In Abu Dhabi, the sky turned a surreal orange glow.

When the UAE is affected by southerly winds from the desert, humidity typically reduces and the air becomes drier. But when coming in from the north, humidity levels leap with coastal areas the worst affected.

Conditions in the Arabian Gulf and Sea of Oman at the weekend, meanwhile, are expected to be calm.

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