Sticky situation: UAE humidity levels hit 100 per cent

This 100 per cent reading means the air is totally saturated and no longer able to absorb moisture, even human sweat

Intense humidity causes condensation on the window of a mosque at the Saadiyat Accommodation Village on Saadiyat Island. Deepthi Unnikrishnan / The National 

The windows have steamed up, the air is sticky and it’s enough to drench a shirt within seconds — it's that time of year again.

Humidity levels have hit 100 per cent in some areas of the UAE, including Ashaab in Abu Dhabi and Margham in Dubai, the National Centre of Meteorology said on Tuesday.

A 100 per cent reading means the air is totally saturated and no longer able to absorb moisture, even human sweat, and this disrupts our cooling process.

On days like these, it's important to stay hydrated and, if possible, stay indoors.

“It’s normal,” said a forecaster from the National Centre of Meteorology.

“We see these levels frequently.”

These conditions are largely caused by the warming of the seas, which increases evaporation, while hotter temperatures on land means the air absorbs more water.

The northwesterly winds that have been present over the past few days push air from the Arabian Gulf over the land.

Coastal areas are the worst affected.

When the UAE experiences southerly winds from desert areas, however, the humidity reduces and the air becomes drier.

The moist conditions are expected to continue until Thursday, at least.

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