United Arab Emirates recorded the highest May temperature ever - 50.4°C

(Patria) - The United Arab Emirates recorded 50.4 degrees Celsius on Friday, the highest temperature in May since records began in 2003, according to the National Center for Meteorology.

"The highest temperature recorded in the country today was 50.4°C in Al Shawamekh (Abu Dhabi) at 14:30 UAE local time," the X social media post stated.

"This is the highest temperature we have ever recorded (for May) since we started keeping records in 2003," the NCM told AFP.

This surpassed the previous highest temperature of 50.2 degrees Celsius recorded in May 2009.

The UAE has been experiencing higher than usual temperatures even before the season began. Last month, they recorded their hottest April ever with an average daily maximum of 42.6 degrees Celsius.

This exceeded the average daily maximum of 42.2 degrees Celsius recorded in April 2017, according to the center, which has been maintaining comprehensive data in the desert country since 2003.

The NMC issued heat safety guidelines on Friday, advising residents to stay out of the sun, drink plenty of fluids, wear appropriate clothing, and use sunscreen.