The temperature has again shot up with rising humidity as forecasters indicate the prevalence of harsh and uncomfortable conditions across the country. Prolonged outdoor activities and exposure to hot, humid, and dusty conditions can be risky and people are cautioned to take protective measures. “We expect a further rise in temperature in the next couple of days that will make conditions tougher,” said a forecaster. The mercury has already shot above 46C in desert areas where hot and dry conditions have been testing people’s nerves. Conditions are not much different in coastal areas where the temperature is in the mid-40s but rising humidity — reaching 90 per cent at times — has been forcing residents to stay indoors. The humidity has also resulted in early morning fog in some areas. The weather has turned nasty and readings on the human comfort index have been indicating high discomfort. “We are in summer and seasonal harsh conditions are in control all over the Arabian Peninsula,” said the forecaster. Winds The National Centre of Meteorology and Seismology (NCMS) said the temperature will continue to rise in the next couple of days with relatively hot to very hot weather during the day. Conditions could become hazy at times in some areas due to fine dust suspension in the air. The NCMS said winds will be light to moderately rough in general but could gain speed around Wednesday afternoon time in some areas. They could blow up dust and sand. Humidity is also likely to increase in the central and northern areas at night and early in the morning. The Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman will be slight to moderately rough in the next two days with two to four ft-high (0.61 metre-1.22 metre) waves offshore. There is some chance of cloud developing over the eastern mountain areas on Thursday afternoon.