Heavy rains accompanied by lightning and thunder have been ravaging the United Arab Emirates (UAE) since last night, affecting visibility on roads and disrupting daily life. The National Centre of Meteorology has reported rainfall of various intensities across several emirates, including Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, and Ajman.
In Dubai, residents experienced a tumultuous morning with heavy downpours, lightning strikes, and the roar of thunder. The inclement weather brought about fast-moving winds and significant rainfall, prompting the activation of electronic road signage advising motorists to slow down due to reduced visibility.
Despite warnings from authorities to stay indoors, some individuals ventured outside, armed with umbrellas to face the unstable weather conditions. The phenomenon of lightning and thunder persisted into the early hours of the morning in some areas.
The weather is expected to remain unsettled today, according to forecasts from the National Centre of Meteorology. The country will see cloudy skies with convective clouds forming over scattered areas, leading to moderate to fresh winds that may become strong at times. These conditions are likely to stir up dust and sand, further diminishing horizontal visibility. The forecast also predicts rainfall of different intensities, along with continued lightning and thunder.
Temperature highs could reach up to 33ºC in some parts of the country, with Abu Dhabi and Dubai seeing maximums of 24ºC and 23ºC, respectively. However, a decrease in temperature is anticipated, with lows potentially hitting 20ºC in Abu Dhabi, 19ºC in Dubai, and as cold as 10ºC in mountainous regions.
Humidity is expected to increase by night and into Sunday morning, with the possibility of fog or mist formation over some western areas. Humidity levels will fluctuate between 45 to 90 per cent in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, signaling a moist start to the week.