UAE weather: High heat and Perseids meteor shower

The United Arab Emirates is experiencing high temperatures, with maximums reaching 45°C in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Umm Al Quwain, while Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah are expected to hit 44°C. The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has forecast a possibility of convective cloud formation and rainfall in eastern areas, including Fujairah, Kalba, and Khor Fakkan.

Tonight, the Perseids meteor shower is expected to peak. The Dubai Astronomy Group has advised stargazers to avoid the Al Khatim Desert in Abu Dhabi due to it being mostly private land; instead, they recommend Al Quaa Desert or Al Qudra Desert for viewing. The shower, caused by debris from comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle, may reach rates of 50 to 100 meteors per hour. The lack of moonlight due to a new moon provides optimal viewing conditions. For those seeking cooler temperatures for stargazing, the UAE's mountainous regions like Jebel Jais and Jebel Hafeet are recommended.