Clichéd but true: The heat is really on

May, this year, has been unusually hot.

For the first time this year, Dubai’s daytime highs jumped above 40 degrees Celsius this week and never wavered, according to the Dubai Meteorological Office.

Today is expected to be the seventh straight day when the thermometer climbs well above 40 degrees Celsius.

Clive Stevens, meteorologist, said the average daily high in May is 37.5 C, making this week’s temperatures well above normal.

He said the hot spell is expected to continue through the weekend. "Just remember, however, the real uncomfortable weather is still some time away," said Stevens.

Midday break rule

A two-year-old federal law that prohibits labourers from toiling in the midday sun is still in full force and will come into effect on July 1 until August 30.

According to the decision that was aimed at protecting workers from the risk of heat exhaustion and stroke, labourers are entitled to a full two-and-a-half-hour break each working day from 12.30pm to 3pm.

Companies that violate the rules will be named and will be heavily penalised.

Violations can result in fines from Dh10,000 to Dh30,000 and a suspension of all applications for new labour permits from three months to a year.