Heat dome brings near-50°C temperatures, UAE weather warnings

Countries across the Middle East are sweltering under a summer heatwave with temperatures expected to approach 50°C in the days ahead. Weather experts said a heat dome - a high-pressure weather system that traps hot air over a region - has contributed to the scorching conditions. Arabia Weather said the weather system would affect the Middle East during the first week of August. Iraq, Kuwait, eastern areas of Saudi Arabia and desert regions of the UAE would be worst-affected, with Syria, Lebanon and Jordan also braced for the mercury to rise. Kuwait's Meteorological Department said daytime temperatures would hit highs of 48°C on both Sunday and Monday. Saudi Arabia predicts temperatures in August up to 2.5°C above average. The alert comes after temperatures exceeded 50°C in Al Shawamekh, Abu Dhabi, on Saturday. There may be respite with more rain forecast. The National Centre of Meteorology said rain and high winds, which could cause dusty conditions, were in prospect until 8pm Sunday in eastern areas. NCM's monthly summary says average August temperature will be 35.7°C.