UAE set for wet and windy weather next week after recent deluge

Weather bureau predicts further rainfall after parts of country hit by heavy downpours, thunder and lightning

Roads in Dubai were waterlogged on Friday after heavy rain the previous day. Antonie Robertson / The National

The UAE is braced for more wet weather next week after much of the country was lashed by heavy rain, thunder and lightning in recent days.

The National Centre of Meteorology warned of further rainfall and high winds to come, with the unstable conditions expected to persist until Thursday.

The weather bureau said Monday would be "partly cloudy at times ... with a probability of rainfall over some coastal and western areas" in its latest five-day bulletin.

It said winds could reach speeds of up to 40kph, leading to dusty conditions.

Despite the wet and windy weather in store, temperatures are expected to remain unseasonably high as November approaches.

Daytime temperatures will peak at 36°C in Dubai and Al Ain on Monday and will hit 35°C in Abu Dhabi, according to the NCM's online weather map.

November typically heralds the start of the UAE's cooler weather season, with daytime temperatures usually dropping below 30°C towards the end of the month.

Weather warnings were in place this week as parts of the Emirates experienced a deluge of rain.

Heavy rain started to move across Dubai and the Northern Emirates into the east of the country on Thursday afternoon.

The downpours in Dubai and Abu Dhabi started early in the day, with thunder and lightning in both emirates on Thursday evening.

The unstable weather continued into Friday with parts of Dubai lashed by heavy rain accompanied by thunder in the morning.

The UAE Cabinet on Thursday advised public sector workers and public schools to return to remote working and distance learning on Friday in response to the adverse weather.

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation urged private-sector companies “to apply flexible work patterns” in a post issued on social media platform, X, formerly Twitter.

Abu Dhabi's private schools were told to revert to distance learning on Friday, while Dubai's private schools were urged to put similar plans in place, due to the hazardous weather.

Stormy weather in UAE - in pictures

Parts of Dubai experienced heavy rain and thunder on Friday morning. Chris Whiteoak / The National

A street cleaner at work on Friday morning in central Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

Motorists in Abu Dhabi were advised to maintain a safe distance and avoid pools of water. Victor Besa / The National

Heavy clouds over central Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

Warning signs on the roads in central Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

Conditions in the Arabian Gulf are also set to be rough going into Friday. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Public sector workers in Dubai will work remotely on Friday, due to the wet weather. Pawan Singh / The National

Police across the Emirates have advised drivers to slow down in the rain and keep a safe distance between vehicles. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Al Fair Supermarket staff watch the strong downpour in Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

Morning rain greeted commuters in Khalifa City in Abu Dhabi on Thursday morning. Victor Besa / The National

The National Centre of Meteorology issued a yellow alert for much of Abu Dhabi and Dubai, forecasting rain and low visibility until 8.30pm on Thursday. Victor Besa / The National

A more severe orange alert is in place for the east, with members of the public told to expect 'hazardous weather events'. Victor Besa / The National

The NCM said that people should avoid areas hit by flooding and heavy rain. Victor Besa / The National

Global forecaster Windy said heavy rain and thunderstorms were expected in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

Abu Dhabi Police also warned drivers to exercise caution due to reduced visibility. Victor Besa / The National

In its daily weather bulletin, the NCM said temperatures in Abu Dhabi and Dubai would reach highs of 35ºC on Thursday. Victor Besa / The National

Heavier downpours were expected later in the day. Victor Besa / The National

The weather bureau has warned that the wet weather across the Northern Emirates will continue until at least Friday. Victor Besa / The National

The unstable weather comes after Tropical Cyclone Tej made landfall in Oman this week. Victor Besa / The National

Poor visibility in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Humid conditions in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Low clouds and grey skies over the emirate. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Rain is expected to continue to lash northern parts of the country. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Motorists in Abu Dhabi were given advice about how to travel safely. Victor Besa / The National