UAE temperatures are set to climb in time for the start of the Eid Al Fitr break as the beginning of the summer approaches.
The National Centre of Meteorology said temperatures will reach 34°C in Abu Dhabi and 33°C in Dubai on Saturday, with similarly warm weather forecast for Sunday.
The NCM's online weather map projects that temperatures will rise to 37°C in the capital and 36°C in Dubai on Monday, which is expected to be the first day of Eid Al Fitr.
The International Astronomical Centre said last week that Eid Al Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, is expected to be celebrated from Monday, which will mean an extended holiday for employees.
The country enjoyed a cooler start to the week, with the mercury dropping as low as 6.4°C around Jebel Jai in Ras Al Khaimah.
But the National Centre of Meteorology on Wednesday said that as the wind dies down, temperatures would gradually increase as the weekend approaches for the start of a public holiday for workers.
"Northwesterly winds will start decreasing," an NCM forecaster told The National. "The temperatures will increase gradually over the next five days. There will be less wind, so it will be hotter."
On Thursday, temperatures hovered around 15°C in the morning, with highs of 28°C forecast.
March is considered the final month of the UAE winter. But the transition from winter to spring can also bring unstable weather – sometimes changing several times within 24 hours. "It can change quickly, with fog, rain and wind in one day," said the forecaster.
The wind has been raising dust in the air in places and reducing visibility. Conditions are cloudy in some areas, with a few rain showers. The NCM on Wednesday said winds could reach speeds of up to 40kph and warned the waters of the Arabian Gulf would be rough at times.
In its latest five-day bulletin, the NCM said Thursday could bring more cloudy weather, with humidity in parts, during the night and Friday morning, along with a chance of fog or mist over some coastal and internal areas.
Similar conditions are expected on Friday and the weekend, with the NCM warning of fog in places even until Monday.
What is Eid Al Fitr?
Eid Al Fitr marks one of two holy feasts celebrated by Muslims. The first day of the festival coincides with the first day of the 10th Islamic calendar month, Shawwal.
Celebrations begin with Eid prayers, shortly after the dawn fajr prayer, and last for three days. Eid prayer is followed by a sermon and a big part of the ritual is greeting others who have gathered to pray and wishing them “Eid Mubarak”. The prayers are seen as a chance to exchange Eid greetings and meet neighbours, family and friends.
The UAE's hotels are gearing up for a busy few days, with booking levels already up to about 60 per cent, with some operators forecasting full occupancy.
Demand is being driven by many factors including a preference for staycations, with one hospitality company saying last-minute bookings from Gulf countries were a key driver and another experiencing “remarkable momentum”.
How long will the Eid break last?
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation said last week that the Eid break would run from Sunday, March 30, until Tuesday, April 1, if Ramadan lasts 29 days.
The ministry confirmed the public holiday would be held from Sunday, March 30, until Wednesday, April 2, if Ramadan is 30 days.
Dubai tailors prepare for Eid Al Fitr - in pictures
