The UAE experienced a surge of thunderstorms and heavy rainfall, as reported by the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM). Several regions witnessed varying intensities of rain, leading to waterlogged roads across the country.
In light of the extreme weather conditions, the Abu Dhabi Police released an urgent advisory for all drivers. The advisory recommends a reduced driving speed during these conditions. To amplify the importance of this warning, siren alerts were sent out to the residents’ mobile phones. Moreover, numerous roads in the Capital have integrated speed-reduction systems that have temporarily capped speed limits at 80 km/h.
The Meteorological Department’s reports indicated not only heavy showers but also thunderstorms and lightning. The public is advised to exercise caution during this period of unstable weather. It’s essential to avoid non-essential driving, remain cautious on the roads, and ensure low-beam headlights are on in situations of decreased visibility.
Further, there are predictions of heavy rain paired with hailstones in the mountainous regions of eastern and central Sharjah. These conditions may also affect the coastal areas of the Arabian Gulf and regions including Abu Dhabi, Al Dhafra, Al Ain, and the eastern coast.
The NCM anticipates the continuation of these unstable weather patterns in the UAE. Transitioning from partly cloudy to cloudy conditions will be common across different regions. There is a high likelihood of rain and thunder, especially when convective clouds are present.
Additionally, a drop in temperatures is expected, along with varying wind conditions. These winds, ranging from moderate to strong gusts, can lead to dust and sand disruptions, reducing visibility. Marine conditions are also predicted to be affected, with the Arabian Gulf and Oman Sea seeing potentially rough seas during these cloudy periods.
