Emergency response teams have been deployed across the UAE as authorities gear up for a prolonged stretch of unsettled weather expected to last through the end of the week, with the National Centre of Meteorology warning of continued rainfall, gusty winds and reduced visibility driven by an active low-pressure system.
The NCM said showers will fall intermittently until Friday, with Tuesday’s rain likely to hit western, eastern and coastal zones as well as offshore islands. Cloud activity is expected to push northward and eastward toward Al Ain overnight, with a separate band of clouds forecast to sweep over Abu Dhabi and Al Dhafra later in the day.
Convective cloud buildup on Tuesday is forecast to produce rainfall of varying intensity across multiple regions. Winds will be light to moderate, spiking to fresh or strong during periods of heightened cloud activity — conditions the NCM said will kick up dust and cut road visibility. Both the Arabian Gulf and the Oman Sea are expected to see slight to moderate swells, with rough patches at times.
Coastal temperatures are forecast between 24°C and 27°C, while inland areas can expect a range of 23°C to 28°C. Mountain areas will be cooler, sitting between 17°C and 21°C. Humidity in some coastal locations may climb as high as 85 percent.
The week’s pattern follows a heavy bout of rain on Monday, when thunderstorms and lightning moved through Abu Dhabi, Al Dhafra, Al Ain, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah and surrounding areas from early morning, bringing a sharp drop in temperatures. The coldest reading recorded that day was 12.4°C at Jebel Jais. Cloud systems tracking in from the west were responsible for the convective activity.
Wednesday’s outlook calls for scattered showers during the day, shifting toward eastern regions and Al Ain at night before gradually tapering off. Thursday is expected to start with limited rain, clear somewhat through the middle of the day, then pick back up in northern and eastern areas by afternoon — with that activity potentially spreading to coastal and western zones overnight. Friday should see the weakest rainfall of the period, mostly confined to coastal and island areas, though clouds could still drift over much of the country.
The Ministry of Interior called on residents to avoid unnecessary travel during strong wind conditions, reduce speeds on roads and increase following distances. Motorists were specifically advised to keep headlights on in low visibility and stay clear of flood-prone roads, valleys and exposed elevated terrain. Residents were also told to stay indoors during hailstorms where possible and to secure outdoor furniture and loose items around their properties.
Abu Dhabi City Municipality confirmed that water drainage tankers are in operation and that stormwater networks had been cleared and prepared ahead of the system’s arrival. In Al Dhafra, coordination is underway with hundreds of construction and infrastructure firms to enforce safety protocols — among them, suspending crane and lifting operations, securing scaffolding and clearing loose materials from active worksites.
The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority noted that thunder is a normal feature of these conditions, and said any critical alerts will be issued through the official national early warning system.
