The resilience of workers was tested Monday as they faced dry and hot weather conditions across the UAE as the mercury hovered above 44 degrees Celsius. Weather forecasters rate August and September as the toughest months of the year when heat, coupled with high humidity, increase discomfort in the country. Over the last several days, the maximum humidity was in the range of 45 to 95 per cent. Weather conditions, said a forecaster, seem persistent and no immediate change in the current weather is expected at least for the next two days. He said humidity is likely to increase at night in the coastal areas from 50 to 95 per cent. Monday was the first day of Ramadan and roads wore a deserted look. The traffic flow on the streets was also greatly reduced. Article continues below Longer duration Abdul Kareem, an Indian Muslim expatriate, said fasting is mandatory in Islam and a job is a necessity of life. \"I am content that Allah has given me the courage to fulfil both the obligations in these tough conditions,\" he said while unloading a carton from his delivery van at a grocery. He said this year the duration of the fast is longer than in previous years. \"It feels difficult in the beginning of the month but like other Muslims, I too become used to fasting as the month goes on,\" he said. He, however, prayed to Allah for rain and cooler conditions. Javed Khan, a Pakistani expatriate, said that the weather conditions could be tough on people especially when the body fluids get low due to fasting. He spends four to six hours outdoors daily. ‘Best possible manner\' \"My job is hard especially during fasting, but it does not mean that I should use it as an excuse. I have to obey my Lord [Allah] and I am doing it in the best possible manner,\" he said. The National Centre of Meteorology and Seismology (NCMS) said the weather will be hot and hazy in general across the country. The conditions could grow to partly cloudy over some areas at times, especially in the eastern and southern parts of the country.