Exploring Bahrain And Dubai's Unique Climatic Conditions

Bahrain and Dubai are two cities that are located in the Persian Gulf, with Bahrain being an archipelago of more than 30 artificial islands and 70 natural islands and Dubai being the most populous city of the United Arab Emirates. Both cities experience warm weather all year round, with two prominent seasons: summer and winter. However, in August, Dubai can reach temperatures of up to 41°C, while Bahrain's highest summer temperature is 40°C. In July, Bahrain's average maximum temperature can reach 44°C, which is hotter than Dubai's average maximum temperature for the same month. So, while Dubai may have a slightly higher temperature in August, Bahrain's temperatures in July can exceed Dubai's.

Bahrain's summer temperatures

Summers in Bahrain are long, sweltering, oppressive, and arid. The hottest month of the year falls in July, with an average high of 101°F and a low of 89°F. The temperature rarely falls below 81°F or exceeds 106°F. On the hottest day of the year, which is typically July 30, temperatures range from 90°F to 101°F.

The hot season in Bahrain lasts for 4.5 months, from May 16 to September 30, with an average daily high temperature above 94°F. The summer months see a rapid increase in cloud cover, with the percentage of time that the sky is overcast or mostly cloudy increasing from 10% to 32%. The highest chance of overcast or mostly cloudy conditions is 45% on August 10.

The summer months in Bahrain are also marked by a significant increase in humidity. The chance of a muggy day rises from 72% to 97% over the course of the season, with the muggiest day of the year typically falling on August 19.

The combination of extreme heat and high humidity in the Gulf region, which includes Bahrain, is dangerous as the human body struggles to cool itself through sweating. This has led to concerns about the impact of accelerated climate change, with experts warning that parts of the Gulf may become uninhabitable by the end of this century.

Dubai's summer temperatures

The summer heat in Dubai can be unbearable, with temperatures often passing 40°C (104°F) each day. To cope with the extreme temperatures, most indoor spaces in Dubai are air-conditioned, including airports, cars, metro trains, bus stops, malls, and hotels. It is recommended to dress appropriately for the heat by wearing loose, comfortable clothing made of light and bright fabrics. Keeping hydrated is also crucial, as the hot weather can lead to dehydration.

Despite the high temperatures, Dubai still offers plenty of indoor and outdoor activities during the summer months. Indoor options include visiting malls, such as the Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates, which feature various attractions like indoor ski slopes, virtual reality parks, and aquariums. Outdoor activities include water parks, such as Atlantis Aquaventure and Wild Wadi, as well as city beaches, dinner cruises, and desert safaris, which are best enjoyed in the late afternoons or evenings when temperatures are slightly cooler.

Overall, while Dubai's summer temperatures can be scorching, the city is well-equipped to handle the heat, and there are still plenty of enjoyable activities and attractions to explore.

Average rainfall in Bahrain and Dubai

Both Bahrain and Dubai experience sparse and inconsistent rainfall, characteristic of their arid desert climates. On average, Bahrain receives 73 mm of precipitation annually, with January being the wettest month (17 mm) and August the driest (0 mm). The country has dry periods spanning all months, with temperatures varying across the year.

Dubai, part of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), also exhibits low annual rainfall totals, averaging between 140 and 200 mm of precipitation per year. Some mountainous areas in the UAE experience higher rainfall levels, recording up to 350 mm annually.

The winter season in the UAE, from December to March, features more moderate temperatures ranging from 16.4°C to 24°C. The first transitional period between winter and summer, from April to May, is marked by variable and rapidly changing weather. During this time, temperatures gradually increase, with mean temperatures ranging from 26°C to 33.5°C.

The summer season in the UAE, from June to September, is characterised by extremely high temperatures, occasionally climbing up to 50°C, particularly in the southern regions. Mean temperatures during this period range from 32°C to 37.2°C, and summer rainfalls tend to be lower, especially in coastal areas compared to mountainous regions.

The second transitional period, from October to November, sees a slight decrease in temperatures, ranging from 24°C to 30°C. Overall, the UAE's arid climate results in sparse and inconsistent rainfall patterns, with occasional violent dust storms, locally known as shamal winds.

Average annual temperatures in Bahrain and Dubai

When comparing the average annual temperatures in Bahrain and Dubai, it is essential to consider the distinct climatic characteristics of each location. Both Bahrain and Dubai experience a similar climate pattern, characterised by long, hot summers and short, mild winters. However, there are some differences in the temperature ranges and seasonal variations between the two locations.

Bahrain, an island nation off the coast of Saudi Arabia, has a unique climate. The summers in Bahrain are sweltering, oppressive, and arid, with temperatures rarely dipping below 53°F or rising above 106°F. The hottest month is typically July, with average temperatures reaching 34°C (93°F) or 101°F, according to different sources. The temperature in July can even threaten to surpass the record of 42.1°C (107.8°F) set in 2017. The hot season in Bahrain extends from mid-May to the end of September, with daily high temperatures exceeding 94°F.

On the other hand, the winters in Bahrain are comfortable and dry, with temperatures ranging from 58°F to 68°F. January, the coldest month, has an average temperature of 17°C (62°F) or 59°F, according to varying sources. The cool season in Bahrain is relatively short, lasting from early December to the beginning of March.

Dubai, located in the United Arab Emirates, shares a similar climate to Bahrain. While specific temperature data for Dubai was not readily available, it is known for its hot summers and mild winters. Dubai's proximity to the coast helps regulate its temperatures, as water takes longer to heat up or cool down compared to land. However, during the summer months, particularly from mid-May onwards, Dubai experiences scorching temperatures, often surpassing 40°C (104°F).

In summary, both Bahrain and Dubai have hot summers and mild winters, but Bahrain may experience slightly higher temperatures during the hottest months. The coastal influence in Dubai helps to moderate the temperatures, while Bahrain's inland location allows for more extreme heat. The length of the hot season and the specific monthly temperature variations further distinguish the climate characteristics of these two locations.

The impact of humidity on the real-feel temperature in both locations

The Impact of Humidity on the Real-Feel Temperature in Dubai and Bahrain

Humidity has a significant impact on how we perceive temperature. Our bodies cool down through perspiration, or sweating, which is an endothermic process. When the humidity is high, the perspiration process is impeded, as there is already a lot of moisture in the air, and it becomes harder for the sweat to evaporate from our skin. This means our ability to cool down is reduced, and we feel hotter than the actual temperature. Conversely, when the humidity is low, our sweat evaporates more easily, and we feel cooler than the actual temperature.

Dubai and Bahrain both experience very high temperatures, with Dubai reaching over 40°C (104°F) and Bahrain threatening to beat its record of 42.1°C (107.8°F) in July. However, the "real-feel" temperature in these locations can be even higher due to the high humidity levels. In 2023, a wave of humidity swept through the Gulf, causing "real-feel" temperatures in some areas to range between 55-60°C (131-140°F). This is because the human body struggles to cool itself through sweating when the humidity is high, which can be dangerous and even fatal in extreme cases.

The heat index, developed by Robert G. Steadman in 1979, is a measure of how hot the air feels when factoring in both air temperature and relative humidity. For example, an air temperature of 85°F with 63% relative humidity will feel like 90°F. The heat index can be lower than the actual temperature if the relative humidity is low enough. The heat index is particularly relevant during the summer months, when the combination of high temperatures and high humidity can make it feel much hotter than it actually is.

The impact of humidity on the real-feel temperature in Dubai and Bahrain can be significant. For example, an air temperature of 100°F with 80% humidity will feel like 157°F, a much more uncomfortable and potentially dangerous temperature. This is why it is essential to take humidity into account when discussing the temperature in these locations, as it can have a substantial effect on human health and comfort.

Frequently asked questions