Rain unlikely amid rising heat and humidity

Temperatures in the range of 48 degrees Celsius have been reported from several desert towns with the onset of summer. The weather conditions have been described as extreme by forecasters, who also predict high humidity in coastal areas. "It's very hot we know but still not unusual," said one expert. "Some towering clouds are likely to appear over the eastern mountains by afternoon, but no chances of rain are in sight so far," said a forecaster, adding that south-easterly winds from the Empty Quarter were influencing weather patterns in the country. With the burning sun overhead, streets have started wearing a deserted look at noon over the last several days in Al Ain, Liwa, Al Faqqa, Al Khazna, Al Wathba, Saih Al Salem, Sweihan, Umm Al Zimul, and parts of Ras Al Khaimah and other cities and towns. A meteorologist said these patterns change at regular intervals. "The comfort index is low but we have not noticed any unusual change so far," he added. The National Centre of Meteorology and Seismology forecast for the next 48 hours is generally hot and hazy conditions during the daytime. Mercury rising City Highest temperature (in degrees Celsius) Al Ain 46.1 C RAK 45 UAQ 44 Abu Dhabi 44 Sharjah 44 Ajman 44 Dubai 43