The National Center of Meteorology has unveiled the expected climatic characteristics for May, a month known as a transitional period (spring) between winter and summer.
The center indicated that this month will witness the continued apparent movement of the sun toward the northern hemisphere, which results in a gradual increase in daylight hours across the northern hemisphere, leading to a steady rise in temperatures throughout most areas of the UAE.
Furthermore, the center noted that the influence of the Siberian high will begin to diminish in May, allowing low-pressure systems to affect the region—either from the west or the east. When these coincide with upper-level low-pressure systems moving from west to east, cloud cover will increase with the possibility of rainfall in some areas.
Regarding humidity levels, the report highlighted that humidity will be relatively lower compared to April, particularly in the latter half of the month. However, the chances of fog and light mist will persist during the first half, with a decrease in frequency during the second half.
Climatic Statistics and Historical Records:
Temperatures:
– Average temperature is expected to range between 30.6 and 33.6°C.
– Maximum average temperature will be between 37.3 and 40.9°C.
– Minimum average temperature will be between 24.3 and 26.8°C.
– The highest recorded temperature was 50.2°C in Umm al-Zumul and Fujairah Airport in 2009.
– The lowest recorded temperature was 9.0°C on Jebel Jais in 2005.
Winds:
– Average wind speed is expected to be 13 km/h.
– The highest wind speed recorded was 117.2 km/h on Jebel Mebreh in 2010.
Humidity:
– The average relative humidity for this month is projected to be 39%.
– The maximum relative humidity is expected to range between 54% to 82%.
– The minimum relative humidity is expected to range between 14% to 24%.
Fog:
– The year with the highest recorded frequency of fog in recent years was 2021, with 10 days of fog and 4 days of light fog.
Rainfall:
– The highest amount of rainfall recorded in May was 134.4 mm in Al-Fili in 1981.