UAE Fog Alert: Dense Mist and 45°C Heat Wave Hit the Emirates

The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has triggered a Red Alert for dense fog across the UAE, as the country braces for a volatile combination of low visibility and soaring temperatures reaching up to 45°C.

Fog Warnings: Commuters on High Alert

A Red Alert for dense fog was in effect during the early hours of Monday, September 21, 2026, spanning from 4:00 AM to 8:00 AM. While the immediate morning alert has expired, the NCM warns that the threat is not over.

Due to rising humidity levels expected on Monday night, there is a significant possibility of fog or mist returning to coastal and internal regions by Tuesday morning. This weather pattern poses potential delays for several groups, including:

Early-morning commuters
School transport services
Delivery riders and taxi drivers
Inter-emirate travelers

Extreme Heat: Temperatures to Soar to 45°C

Alongside the visibility issues, the UAE is experiencing intense heat. While Monday's weather is generally fair to partly cloudy—with convective clouds expected to develop in eastern areas during the afternoon—temperatures remain extremely high across the country.

The expected temperature breakdown includes:

Dubai: Maximum of 45°C (Minimum 31°C)
Abu Dhabi: Maximum of 44°C (Minimum 28°C)
Sharjah: Maximum of 44°C (Minimum 25°C)

Looking ahead, the heat is expected to intensify in some inland desert regions, where temperatures could climb as high as 48°C throughout the week.

Safety Guidelines for Drivers and Outdoor Workers

With visibility concerns and extreme heat, authorities have issued critical safety advice to protect the public.

Driving Precautions

The Abu Dhabi Police have urged motorists to exercise extreme caution, particularly when navigating patchy fog on major highways connecting Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Al Ain. Drivers are advised to:

Reduce speed and maintain an increased following distance.
Use low-beam headlights to improve visibility.
Avoid sudden braking or frequent lane changes.
Refrain from unsafe overtaking maneuvers.
Stay alert to electronic road signs and potential speed restrictions.

Heat and Vehicle Safety

For those working outdoors, such as construction and delivery personnel, monitoring hydration is vital to prevent heat stress during these late September afternoons. Additionally, vehicle owners should be aware that interior cabin temperatures can significantly exceed outdoor readings when parked in the sun.

Regarding maritime and wind conditions, wind speeds are expected to remain light to moderate between 10 and 20 km/h, with occasional gusts reaching 35 km/h. Sea conditions in the Oman Sea and the Arabian Gulf are predicted to be slight.