Dubai: Temperatures across the UAE today are in the mid-40s, as they have been over the past few weeks. But ever wonder why it is suddenly feeling hotter than it actually is?According to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), the relative humidity (RH) is on the rise today, reaching 65% to 85% in internal areas, and between 70% to 90% in mountainous, coastal and island regions. The spike in humidity is raising the apparent temperature by seven to nine degrees, according to the NCM, which is why even though Dubai will see 44°C weather today, it will feel like 51°C.What is the Comfort Index?Dr Mohamed Al Ebri, director of the department of meteorology at the NCM, told Emirates 24/7: “The combination of high temperatures and high humidity increases the apparent temperature, resulting in uncomfortable weather conditions during the daytime. Conditions are more stressful during the afternoon and early evening, while relative improvement begins during the nighttime and early morning hours.”According to the US-based National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the feeling of discomfort during intense heat is captured by the Heat Index or the Comfort Index (CI), also known as the apparent temperature or ‘real feel’– it is what the temperature feels like to the human body.The NOAA website explains the science behind the process in this way: “When the body gets too hot, it begins to perspire or sweat to cool itself off. If the perspiration is not able to evaporate, the body cannot regulate its temperature. Evaporation is a cooling process. When perspiration is evaporated off the body, it effectively reduces the body's temperature. When the atmospheric moisture content (relative humidity) is high, the rate of evaporation from the body decreases. In other words, the human body feels warmer in humid conditions.”Dr Al Ebri explained further: “It is important to note that the assessment of thermal comfort does not depend solely on the recorded air temperature. It is also influenced by relative humidity, wind speed, and direct exposure to solar radiation. Therefore, even when temperatures are relatively lower on some days, high humidity may result in a continued perception of elevated temperatures.”The weather you are experiencing this week, is expected in the month of August. Dr Al Ebri said: “In August, temperatures generally remain at elevated levels, although there may be occasional decreases on some days due to northwesterly winds. However, temperatures will return to their normal levels for this time of year, coinciding with increased humidity, particularly in coastal areas.”The NCM forecasts humidity to increase by night and on Thursday morning over some coastal areas, with a probability of mist formation.A chance of rainDespite intense temperatures across the board, the NCM forecasts fair to partly cloudy weather today, with a chance of some convective cloud formation and rainfall in eastern and southern parts of the country by the afternoon.Temperatures hold steady in the mid-40sEven as humidity increases, the mercury is holding steady in the mid-40s.The NCM forecasts coastal and island regions to experience highs between 39°C and 45°C, while internal regions will be warmer, at 45°C to 50°C.Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah will peak at 45°C today, while Dubai will reach 44°C. Fujairah will be slightly cooler at 36°C, while Al Ain and Liwa will experience the highest temperatures in the country, at 46°C and 49°C respectively.Calm to moderate seasYou can expect light to moderate winds, freshening at times, today, and reaching up to 35km/h along the coast. The NCM expects slight sea conditions in both the Arabian Gulf and the Sea of Oman, which means you can expect gentle waves, reaching heights of two feet on-shore and three feet off-shore.Here is the complete breakdown of minimum and maximum temperatures across the Emirates today:Maximum Temp (°C) Minimum Temp (°C)Dubai 44°C 31°CAbu Dhabi 45°C 32°CAl Ain 46°C 35°CSharjah 45°C 32°CAjman 43°C 31°CFujairah 36°C 32°CRas Al Khaimah 45°C 30°CUmm Al Quwain 42°C 32°CLiwa 49°C 32°C
