In a dramatic shift from the scorching summer heat, parts of Al Ain were treated to a rare hail event on Saturday evening—offering residents a welcome break from the relentless high temperatures.
The National Center of Meteorology (NCM) confirmed moderate to heavy rainfall in areas such as Khatm Al Shakla and Malaqit, with lighter showers in Al Nabah, Um Gaffa, and Al Dhahir. But it was the hail that stole the spotlight, with the Storm Center sharing videos of ice pellets falling near the Al-Shakla canal in Al Ain and in Mahda, Oman.
The NCM also issued yellow and orange alerts across Al Ain, warning residents to exercise caution due to expected unstable weather conditions. Meteorologists explained that hail can occasionally occur during summer when intense updrafts push moisture high into the atmosphere—where the air remains cold enough to freeze droplets into hailstones.
This brief spell of rain and hail came as a refreshing surprise, especially after the UAE recorded its highest summer temperature so far—49.9°C in Mezaira (Al Dhafra region) on June 21. Last month also marked the hottest May in over two decades, with temperatures soaring up to 51.6°C.
While hail is uncommon during the summer, the UAE has witnessed similar events in recent years. Earlier this year, parts of the country saw hail in January, and in October 2024, ice pellets were reported in Sharjah during a round of heavy rain.
