October Is Almost Over, but Persistent Heat and Humidity Continue to Make the UAE Feel Like Summer.
Dubai: As October comes to an end, summer appears reluctant to loosen its grip on the UAE. Although autumn has arrived on the calendar, the heat shows little sign of leaving just yet.
Despite the seasonal shift, stepping outdoors can still feel uncomfortably hot. Warm afternoons, humid evenings and persistent mugginess have left residents wondering when the long-awaited cooler weather will finally arrive.
The answer lies partly in the UAE’s desert climate, the lingering warmth of the Arabian Gulf and the gradual transition from summer to winter, which rarely happens overnight.
Although daytime temperatures are slowly declining, high humidity can make conditions feel much hotter than the thermometer indicates, particularly in coastal cities such as Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi.
The Arabian Gulf plays a significant role in prolonging the discomfort. After months of intense sunshine, its waters retain heat well into autumn, releasing moisture into the atmosphere. When humid sea breezes travel inland, they can leave coastal areas feeling particularly muggy, even after sunset.
Research published in the scientific journal Communications Earth & Environment found that humid heat along the southern Arabian Gulf coast can be especially intense during the evening and overnight, when moisture-laden sea breezes affect coastal communities.
This year, another factor has added to the discomfort: temperatures have been higher than typical October levels.
Recent weather reports indicate that maximum temperatures across the UAE have ranged from 37°C to 43°C, with some areas recording readings around 4°C above normal. The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) puts the country’s average October temperature at 29.7°C.
The developing El Niño climate phenomenon has also come under scrutiny. The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) expects it to influence weather patterns over the coming winter, potentially bringing temperatures and rainfall close to or above average.
However, climate specialists caution against attributing the UAE’s lingering heat to El Niño alone. Its direct impact on Gulf temperatures is relatively limited, while broader climate warming, regional atmospheric circulation and sea temperatures in the Arabian Gulf and Arabian Sea also play significant roles.
So, when will the UAE finally feel like winter?
Some relief is on the horizon, although residents may have to wait a little longer.
According to the NCM’s forecast for Thursday, October 29, temperatures could still reach 39°C inland and 37°C in coastal areas. Humidity levels could climb to 90% in some coastal locations, adding to the discomfort.
The forecast also points to possible rainfall across northern and eastern parts of the UAE, with showers potentially continuing in eastern areas through Monday, November 2. High humidity overnight and during the early morning could also lead to mist or fog.
A more noticeable drop in temperatures is expected as November progresses, particularly during the evenings and early mornings. However, residents may still experience warm afternoons as the UAE gradually transitions towards its winter season.
