ABU DHABI // The helter-swelter has begun for real.

Temperatures on Tuesday rose to more than 50°C for the first time this year, and forecasters are predicting no respite from the heat in the coming days.

The highest temperature registered in the country so far this year was 50.5°C yesterday in Sweihan, near Al Ain.

Levels had already reached 50°C shortly after 11am in the city, according to the National Centre of Meteorology and Seismology.

“These past few days have been bad but I especially feel it today,” said Ashraf Al Hasan, 38, who has lived and worked in Sweihan for five years.

Although his job as a shopkeeper shelters him from the worst of the heat, Mr Al Hasan said his 10-minute walk home was becoming increasingly difficult.

“I leave the warehouse around 2pm and after just a few minutes I’m already dehydrated and calling home so they can prepare me something cool to drink,” the Sudanese national said.

Mr Al Hasan said he met few, if any, people on the streets during his short but demanding journey.

Sultan Al Sheriyani, who commutes to Sweihan from Abu Dhabi, said he noticed a marked difference in temperature between the two cities.

“By late morning you can already feel the sun beating down with intensity,” the Emirati said.

Mr Al Sheriyani, 28, said the main problem on the return leg of his trip was that his vehicle was too hot after being parked out in the sun all day.

“I open all the doors and wait at least five minutes before trying to climb in. I read you could cool down the temperature by leaving an open bottle of water inside so I’m trying that,” he said.

But he said his inconveniences paled in comparison with those working outdoors.

“The ones I can’t stop thinking about are the trash collectors, construction workers and others working during the day. I even see workers climbing palm trees,” Mr Al Sheriyani said.

The NCMS is forecasting similar weather for the rest of the week with temperatures ranging between 45°C and 49°C. Residents are recommended not to exercise outside during the hottest part of the day and to stay hydrated.

tsubaihi@thenational.ae