ABU DHABI // How hot is too hot? It's a question that takes on a new meaning each summer as the mercury rises from the beginning of June and throughout July and August.
Official weather forecasts use sophisticated technology, operated under internationally approved guidelines, to measure air temperature readings.
But while these can give consistent and scientifically-precise data, they might not always reflect the feeling on the street. Factors such as the urban environment, with tall buildings trapping the heat, influence perceptions, making it feel a few degrees hotter than it actually is.
Yesterday was the first day of summer and The National began conducting its own experiment. We will take temperature readings every day throughout the season to see if our recordings match official figures.
Experts agree that even an objective measurement such as air temperature is not set in stone.
Where the temperature was measured can make a significant difference, said Dr George Odhiambo, assistant professor of geography and specialist in hydro-meteorology at UAE University.
"You will find that someone on a city street might experience temperatures higher than those recorded at weather stations," he said.
Meteorologists rely on data from weather stations, which are usually located at airports or in open areas away from large cities.
"Weather stations are located in open areas to prevent tall buildings interfering with the readings, for example by obstructing air flow," he said.
But most of the population lives in cities, where a range of factors can affect readings, he said.
"Concrete and road tarmac absorbs heat and retains it for a long time," he said. As buildings and roads emit the trapped heat, a city would be hotter than its natural surroundings. This is due to a phenomenon known to city planners as the "urban heat island effect", which can push temperatures up by an average two to three degrees.
Dr Waleed Hamza, head of biology at UAE University, said the approved methodology for measuring air temperature required that thermometers be kept in the shade. But for those out in the sun, air temperatures measured in the shade do not tell the whole story.
"If you take a thermometer and go out in the sun, you will find temperatures of 57°C," said Dr Odhiambo.
Humidity also plays a significant role, said Ahmed Sajwani, a weather blogger. "Even if it is only 40°C outside, it can feel like 50 because of the humidity," said Mr Sajwani, who is taking an online certificate in meteorology at Pennsylvania State University in the United States, and has developed an application that enables iPhone users to get local weather updates.
Long-suffering residents know all too well the ferocity of the summer sun. For Yasmin Wadhai, a personal trainer and long-term Abu Dhabi resident, summer arrived in mid-May. That was when she had to reschedule the time of her five-day-a-week jogging and cycling exercise routine. "It is not possible to train between 7am and 6pm now," she said. "It is too hot - you can get sun stroke."
For Ms Wadhai, who recently completed the Abu Dhabi International Triathlon, air temperatures reported by meteorologists only tell half the story. "I think they measure the temperature in the shade," she said. "But I don't think this tells you the real deal out there."
@Email:vtodorova@thenational.ae
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Everything Now
Arcade Fire
(Columbia Records)
The alternatives
• Founded in 2014, Telr is a payment aggregator and gateway with an office in Silicon Oasis. It’s e-commerce entry plan costs Dh349 monthly (plus VAT). QR codes direct customers to an online payment page and merchants can generate payments through messaging apps.
• Business Bay’s Pallapay claims 40,000-plus active merchants who can invoice customers and receive payment by card. Fees range from 1.99 per cent plus Dh1 per transaction depending on payment method and location, such as online or via UAE mobile.
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• 2checkout’s “all-in-one payment gateway and merchant account” accepts payments in 200-plus markets for 2.4-3.9 per cent, plus a Dh1.2-Dh1.8 currency conversion charge. The US provider processes online shop and mobile transactions and has 17,000-plus active digital commerce users.
• PayPal is probably the best-known online goods payment method - usually used for eBay purchases - but can be used to receive funds, providing everyone’s signed up. Costs from 2.9 per cent plus Dh1.2 per transaction.
Company%20Profile
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THE BIO
Ms Davison came to Dubai from Kerala after her marriage in 1996 when she was 21-years-old
Since 2001, Ms Davison has worked at many affordable schools such as Our Own English High School in Sharjah, and The Apple International School and Amled School in Dubai
Favourite Book: The Alchemist
Favourite quote: Failing to prepare is preparing to fail
Favourite place to Travel to: Vienna
Favourite cuisine: Italian food
Favourite Movie : Scent of a Woman
SM Town Live is on Friday, April 6 at Autism Rocks Arena, Dubai. Tickets are Dh375 at www.platinumlist.net
Ticket prices
- Golden circle - Dh995
- Floor Standing - Dh495
- Lower Bowl Platinum - Dh95
- Lower Bowl premium - Dh795
- Lower Bowl Plus - Dh695
- Lower Bowl Standard- Dh595
- Upper Bowl Premium - Dh395
- Upper Bowl standard - Dh295
Business Insights
- Canada and Mexico are significant energy suppliers to the US, providing the majority of oil and natural gas imports
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COMPANY%20PROFILE
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The Sand Castle
Director: Matty Brown
Stars: Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, Zain Al Rafeea, Riman Al Rafeea
Rating: 2.5/5
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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WHAT IS A BLACK HOLE?
1. Black holes are objects whose gravity is so strong not even light can escape their pull
2. They can be created when massive stars collapse under their own weight
3. Large black holes can also be formed when smaller ones collide and merge
4. The biggest black holes lurk at the centre of many galaxies, including our own
5. Astronomers believe that when the universe was very young, black holes affected how galaxies formed
WISH
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Draw
Quarter-finals
Real Madrid (ESP) or Manchester City (ENG) v Juventus (ITA) or Lyon (FRA)
RB Leipzig (GER) v Atletico Madrid (ESP)
Barcelona (ESP) or Napoli (ITA) v Bayern Munich (GER) or Chelsea (ENG)
Atalanta (ITA) v Paris Saint-Germain (FRA)
Ties to be played August 12-15 in Lisbon
The biog
Favourite hobby: I love to sing but I don’t get to sing as much nowadays sadly.
Favourite book: Anything by Sidney Sheldon.
Favourite movie: The Exorcist 2. It is a big thing in our family to sit around together and watch horror movies, I love watching them.
Favourite holiday destination: The favourite place I have been to is Florence, it is a beautiful city. My dream though has always been to visit Cyprus, I really want to go there.
The biog
Hobby: Playing piano and drawing patterns
Best book: Awaken the Giant Within by Tony Robbins
Food of choice: Sushi
Favourite colour: Orange
The five pillars of Islam
1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat