The UAE has moved into its summer season, and weather authorities say the most punishing stretch of heat has yet to arrive, even as parts of the country brace for midweek showers.
According to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), residents face several months of severe heat that could push past 50°C in some locations, accompanied by high humidity and bouts of rain across the eastern and mountainous areas. Many people have already shifted their daily schedules to steer clear of the harshest afternoon hours, but forecasters caution that the peak weeks are still ahead.
Eisa Al Sereidi, Acting Head of the General Meteorology Section at the NCM, confirmed the country is now in the grip of its typical summer pattern. “Summer has already started in the UAE. The country is currently experiencing hot and humid conditions. So, temperatures are expected to remain high throughout the coming months,” he said.
The forecaster noted that readings may briefly spike beyond the 50-degree mark, though such peaks should be short-lived. “On some occasions the country may experience temperatures above 50 degrees as well. But this will not be over a long period. Over the western areas, temperatures are going to be very high.”
The relief of rain, where it comes, will be unevenly distributed. The NCM expects rain-bearing clouds to develop over parts of the country through Friday as the UAE enters the seasonal phase known locally as “Rawayeh,” a period marked by greater convective cloud activity, scattered showers and a slight easing of temperatures by week’s end. As reported by Khaleej Times, this activity will be focused on the eastern and mountainous zones.
“Rainfall is expected on Tuesday, Wednesday, and there is a chance of rainfall on Thursday as well. After that also we may experience some rainfall,” Al Asray said.
Major cities are likely to miss out on meaningful rain. Across Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah, residents should anticipate overcast skies rather than downpours. “Cities like Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah may not experience rainfall. However, the cities may see cloud cover associated with light rainfall,” he said.
The mechanics behind these summer showers come down to locally formed convective clouds rather than sweeping weather systems. “In July and August, we also experience convective clouds which develops locally in the UAE. But mostly, the rain is over the Eastern areas and sometimes to internal areas as well,” the official explained.
He pointed to a combination of factors driving the phenomenon. “Usually the cause of rainfall in summer season is the formation of convective clouds in the mountainous areas. High temperature and moisture in the atmosphere and the topography of the region trigger the localized rain.”
On the question of regional influences, Al Asray played down the role of the Indian monsoon, identifying moisture drawn from the Arabian Sea as the more significant contributor. “The Indian monsoon has less of an effect as compared to the moistures coming from the Arabian sea towards our country. All this contributes in cloud development.”
