Winter is on its way, kind of…
You don’t need to be a meteorologist to notice that temperatures are starting to dip from those scorching summer highs. However, with the ongoing humidity in coastal areas, it might still be a bit before you’re reaching for those hoodies from the top of the wardrobe.
We’ll dive into when we can expect things to cool down a bit later on.
Why does it get so humid this time of year?
The main reason for the humid nights, evenings, and mornings in the UAE at this time of year is a shift in the dominant air pressure system over the Gulf. Specifically, it’s the return of high-pressure cells in the waters to the north of the UAE. Additionally, the Gulf has been heated throughout the summer, and warmer water reservoirs contribute to increased localized humidity.
In September, the UAE’s weather is also influenced by a mix of on-shore and off-shore breezes. On-shore breezes from the sea bring along some humidity, like an unexpected “hello” gift, especially when the land heats up during the day. This phenomenon is a bit of a convection sweat session.
To each their dew
The ‘dew point’ is another factor that impacts how we perceive humidity. Experts now consider it a more accurate measure of what temperatures actually ‘feel like’ compared to relative humidity. In simple terms, the dew point is the temperature at which air becomes saturated and starts forming water droplets. A lower dew point generally means a more comfortable experience, especially on hot days, as it indicates less moisture in the air.
The dew point is dictated by both humidity and ambient temperature. It’s all interconnected: higher humidity means the air can hold more moisture, which raises the dew point, while lower humidity results in a lower dew point. The ambient temperature also influences this, as it affects the air’s capacity to hold moisture.
Why is it often more humid in the evenings?
It’s the dew point making its appearance again. During the day, hot air can hold more moisture, so the warmer temperatures allow the air to absorb a lot of water. When night falls and the air cools, it holds less moisture, causing the temperature needed for humidity to reach those “itchy back” levels to drop.
In brief: it’s humid due to shifting pressure systems, changing winds, dew point dynamics, and moisture being carried from the sea onto land.
Why do we sweat so much in humid conditions?
When we’re warm, our bodies sweat to help regulate temperature. The evaporation of sweat absorbs energy from the skin, which cools us down. This process helps maintain our internal equilibrium and keeps our body temperature in check.
When weather reports indicate high humidity levels, such as the 90 percent we often see this time of year, it means the air is saturated with moisture. This saturation prevents your sweat from evaporating effectively, which means your body struggles to cool down. As a result, you—and everyone else—stay warm and uncomfortable.
