Bitten by the humidity bug

The Met office at Dubai International Airport yesterday recorded a maximum humidity of 94 per cent and minimum of 45, said forecaster Amna Yaseen. “The normal average humidity in June is a maximum of 70 per cent and minimum of 45. But this year, it has gone up drastically,” Amna said. The temperature yesterday was a maximum of 38 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 29 degrees. On Friday, Met office recorded a maximum of 45 degrees and a minimum of 43 while humidity stood at a maximum of 85 per cent and minimum of 30. In the next two days, conditions are expected to be similar with high temperature and high humidity levels.

“North-westerly wind flow from the Gulf has brought moisture to the atmosphere sending humidity level higher,” the forecaster added. “We are expecting fog in the morning for the coming days. However, it will not effect visibility level too much.”

Meanwhile, health experts have cautioned people, especially those working in the open, about infections caused by exposure to excessive heat.

Dr Ahmed of Al Noor Polyclinic said: “People working outside are vulnerable to either heat stroke or heat exhaustion.” He advised people to drink as much water as possible and go for frequent breaks under the shades.