UAE weather: Heavy rain and thunderstorms forecast from Monday

Adverse weather set to be most severe on Tuesday

People using umbrellas during the rain in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National

UAE authorities have urged the public to be vigilant with the country braced for heavy rain, thunder, high winds and dust storms from Monday.

The National Centre of Meteorology previously warned of unstable conditions expected to persist until Wednesday.

The worst of the weather is forecast on Monday and Tuesday, with rain, thunder, lightning and hail set to hit parts of the Emirates.

The weather bureau said wind speeds could reach 55kph on Monday, rising to 65kph on Tuesday, in its latest five-day bulletin.

The stormy weather arrived early with thunder and lightning recorded in Al Ain shortly after 6am on Sunday.

The NCM on Saturday shared a safety notice on social media, calling on motorists to take care during hazardous weather.

It advised motorists to "avoid driving unless absolutely necessary" during rainfall, and to exercise caution if required to travel.

Abu Dhabi Police asked drivers to take care during the unstable weather and to abide by variable speed limits in place on the roads.

The wet weather will coincide with a return to work for many residents, with the private and public sector enjoying a public holiday for Eid Al Fitr until Monday, April 15.

The Windy weather app shows high winds coming from the south-east of the country from about 7pm on Monday, with thunderstorms forecast in the capital and temperatures of 25°C.

These conditions are predicted to deteriorate in the evening, with the stormy weather spreading to Dubai by the early hours of Tuesday.

Heavy rain is set to fall across most of the country throughout Tuesday, with Dubai braced for more than Abu Dhabi until conditions ease by late afternoon on Wednesday.

BBC Weather also predicts heavy rain across the UAE from Monday to Wednesday, with thundery showers on Tuesday and Wednesday. Temperatures are forecast to peak at 28°C, dropping to lows of 19°C across the three days.

Monday

Unstable weather is forecast by the NCM for Monday, with convective clouds and rainfall of different intensities across the country. Temperatures are expected to peak at 33°C with lows of 23°C.

Wind speeds will reach 55 kph, with blowing dust expected to reduce visibility. The Arabian Gulf is expected to be moderate to rough, becoming very rough at night, while the Oman Sea will be moderate to rough.

Tuesday

Unstable weather is expected to continue into Tuesday, with convective clouds and heavy rainfall, the NCM said. Temperatures are also forecast to drop, with highs of 27°C and lows of 22°C.

High winds are expected to blow dust and sand, reducing horizontal visibility, at speeds of up to 60 kph. The Arabian Gulf is set to be rough and very rough at times while the Oman Sea is due to be rough.

Wednesday

The NCM predicts Wednesday's conditions to be less severe, but cloudy weather and light rainfall is expected to continue. Temperatures are forecast to peak at 29°C with lows of 19°C.

Winds are set to reach 40 kph while the Arabian Gulf and Oman Sea will be rough to moderate.

Aftermath of heavy rain in the UAE in March – in pictures

Floodwater in Mussaffah Industrial City, Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

A lorry navigates a flooded section of Al Qudra Road after heavy rain in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Vehicles brave flooded Al Qudra Road in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Gridlock ensues on flooded Al Qudra Road in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Caution was urged by police following the heavy rain in Dubai that caused flooding on several roads. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Floodwaters rise near a mosque in Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

Floodwater creeps between homes in Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

Stagnant floodwater in Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

Dubai Municipality has responded to floods caused by the heavy rain. Photo: Dubai Municipality

Dubai Municipality workers join the clean-up effort following bouts of heavy rain. Photo: Dubai Municipality