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The city of Sweihan, located in the United Arab Emirates, just set a record-breaking temperature for the month of May. On Saturday, the thermometer soared to a blistering 51.6°C (124.9°F). This marks the highest temperature ever recorded in the UAE during May, according to the country’s national weather authority.

This extreme heat event follows an already hot April, when the city saw temperatures rise to 46.6°C (115.9°F). Experts say these back-to-back heat waves are not random. Instead, they are part of a clear and dangerous trend tied to global climate change.

Heat Records Are Falling Earlier Than Ever

In the past, temperatures like these were only seen in the heart of summer. Now, they are appearing earlier each year. May is still considered spring in many regions, yet Sweihan’s recent heat feels more like mid-July.

Weather agencies report that other parts of the UAE also experienced extreme heat last week. Areas such as Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah all crossed the 48°C mark. These numbers are alarming, not only for what they are today, but for what they signal for the months ahead.

Scientists Are Sounding the Alarm

Climate scientists across the globe say these temperatures are part of a bigger pattern. They point to human-caused climate change as the main reason for the rise in extreme heat events.

“The frequency of extreme heat days has nearly doubled over the past 30 years,” said Dr. Lina Al-Mansouri, a regional climate expert based in Doha. “This is not a one-off situation. This is becoming the new normal, especially in hot and dry regions like the Middle East.”

According to data from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), 2023 was the hottest year on record globally. The first months of 2024 are already showing signs of breaking new records. Scientists warn that without urgent action, such heat will last longer, occur more often, and cause greater harm to people, animals, and ecosystems.

Health and Safety Concerns on the Rise

High temperatures are not just uncomfortable—they can be deadly. Prolonged exposure to heat above 50°C can cause heat stroke, dehydration, and organ failure. Vulnerable groups such as the elderly, young children, and outdoor workers are at the greatest risk.

In Sweihan and other affected cities, health officials issued advisories urging people to stay indoors during peak heat hours. Schools adjusted hours, and labor laws require outdoor work to pause during midday in the summer.

Hospitals in the region have reported a rise in patients showing signs of heat exhaustion and sunstroke. Authorities are reminding residents to stay hydrated, wear light clothing, and avoid direct sunlight when possible.

Infrastructure and Energy Stress

Extreme heat also places a heavy load on infrastructure, especially electricity and water systems. As temperatures climb, so does the demand for air conditioning and cooling systems. In the UAE, electricity usage reached record highs last summer, and similar spikes are expected this year.

High temperatures can also damage roads, buildings, and even aircraft. In the past, some airports in the region delayed flights due to the impact of heat on aircraft engines and runway conditions.

Regional and Global Warnings

What’s happening in Sweihan is not unique. Across the globe, heat records are being broken at an alarming pace.

• In India, recent temperatures in parts of Rajasthan reached 48.2°C, forcing schools to shut down.
• In Mexico, wildfires worsened as soaring heat dried out large parts of forested land.
• In Southeast Asia, cities like Bangkok and Manila saw extreme “feels-like” temperatures over 50°C due to high humidity.

All of these events are part of what scientists now call “global heatwaves.” These are extended periods of extreme heat occurring in multiple places at once, driven by the same global changes.

What Can Be Done?

Experts say the only long-term solution is to cut greenhouse gas emissions and slow global warming. That includes using clean energy, planting trees, switching to electric vehicles, and building climate-smart infrastructure.

But adaptation is also important. Cities need to become more heat-resilient. That means more green spaces, heat shelters, and early warning systems to alert people before heat waves hit.

The UAE has already made efforts in this direction. The country launched a National Climate Change Plan and pledged to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. But scientists say action must be faster—and matched by other countries worldwide.

The record-breaking 51.6°C in Sweihan is more than a number. It is a climate warning, a wake-up call, and a glimpse into the future we may face if the world fails to act.

As heat records continue to fall across the globe, the pressure is rising—not just in the air, but on world leaders to make urgent, meaningful changes.