Dubai heatwave: Temperature feels like 62°C as scientists explain extreme conditions

Dubai is experiencing an intense heatwave with the "feels like" temperature soaring to 62C (143.6 Fahrenheit), according to US-based weather reports.

While the nominal air temperature in Dubai is less, hitting 43C on July 17, the deadly combination of high humidity and intense air temperature creates a heat index that "feels like" temperature significantly higher than the nominal air temperature.

The combination of high humidity and air temperature has pushed the heat index to dangerous levels, approaching the theoretical limit of human heat tolerance.

The so-called wet-bulb temperatures of over 35C are lethal for humans if exposed to them for more than six hours. The wet-bulb temperature is a measure that accounts for both heat and humidity; when humidity approaches 100% sweat no longer evaporates, preventing the body from cooling down with deadly results if exposed to these conditions for too long.

Meteorologists warn the temperatures in Dubai are approaching the wet-bulb limit when going outside becomes life-threatening. They attribute this extreme heat to a combination of factors. Dubai's geographical location near the Tropic of Cancer plays a role, as does the urban heat island effect, where city surfaces absorb and retain heat. High humidity levels due to proximity to the Persian Gulf and global climate change trends are also contributing factors.

Local authorities have issued a warning urging residents and tourists to take precautions against heat-related illnesses. These include staying hydrated, avoiding outdoor activities during peak heat hours, and using air-conditioned spaces.

US-based weather watchers highlighted the issue on social media channels on July 17: “An air temperature of 109°F and a dew point of 85°F produced the 144°F heat index at Dubai International Airport at 3 PM.”

Dubai has already been afflicted with extreme weather conditions earlier this year when an entire year’s worth of rain fell in a single day, causing wide-spread chaos and flooding.

The extreme heat conditions are also raising concerns about energy consumption, worker safety, and potential impacts on tourism in the emirate known for its summer heat.

Earlier this week power output across the region reached its highest ever MW per hour, as people turned up their air conditioning to offset the heat effects.

Scientists said that while Dubai and Abu Dhabi regularly experience high temperatures during summer months, the intensity of this heatwave aligns with global patterns of increasing extreme weather events linked to climate change.

Social media was busy late on July 16, with the r/Dubai Reddit forum and residents complaining about the extreme weather conditions.

One user Royo981 wrote, “I came from the sun, and this heat is unbearable to me”, while another user, Odd_Wave_8461 responded, “I’ve lived here all my life, over 3 decades.. and I’m still not accustomed to this heat. It just seems to be getting worse year after year,” adding, “Global warming is real, folks!” Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, with forecasts suggesting the heatwave may persist in the coming days.