UAE weather: Rain in Dubai and Abu Dhabi as alert issued

Residents woke up to early morning showers on Friday, while frost formed after a cold snap in Ras Al Khaimah

A safety alert was issued by Dubai Police after heavy rain lashed the emirate on Friday morning, causing flooding on some routes.

The force urged motorists to exercise caution during the hazardous conditions and to slow down while travelling across waterlogged roads.

Rain fell across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and other areas of the Emirates on Friday morning as weather warnings for high winds and rough seas were issued.

The National Centre of Meteorology said there was light rain in Mohamed bin Zayed City at about 4.15am on Friday, following wet weather in the capital on Thursday night.

There were also light showers in Al Jaddaf and The Greens in Dubai shortly after 7am, with heavier rain in other areas of the emirate. The weather bureau reported further spells of rain in parts of Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah and Umm Al Quwain.

Storm Centre, a popular social media account which tracks UAE water, shared video on Friday of motorists navigating flooded roads in Dubai, under leaden skies.

The NCM has issued weather warnings for high winds, reaching speeds of up to 40 kph until 8am on Friday, and for rough seas off the coast of Abu Dhabi until 4pm.

The UAE typically experiences an increase in unsettled weather during the winter months, accompanied by a drop in temperatures.

Frosty Friday

The winter chill was evident as frost formed in the mountains of Ras Al Khaimah on Friday morning, with footage shared by the NCM.

Hail, ice and even snow have previously been reported on the summit of Jebel Jais, in Ras Al Khaimah, the highest peak in the Emirates.

In January, 2022, sheets of ice formed on Jebel Jais as temperatures approached freezing. Ras Al Khaimah Government Media Office shared a video at the time, describing it as the "wonder of nature".

Overcast skies are forecast for Saturday and Sunday across the Emirates, according to the NCM's five-day weather report.

There will be an increase in temperatures on Monday, but more fog is set to roll in on Tuesday.

Daytime temperatures will remain in the mid-20s in Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the days to come, but evening temperatures could drop to 15°C over the next five days, according to the NCM.

Rain in the UAE – in pictures

Heavy rain lashed parts of Abu Dhabi on January 3. Victor Besa / The National

A late afternoon downpour in the city centre. Victor Besa / The National

People caught by the rain try to stay dry. Victor Besa / The National

In some areas, people braved showers to carry on with their business. Victor Besa / The National

A man covers his head in a bid to stay dry. Victor Besa / The National

Rain fell across Abu Dhabi, Dubai and other emirates as weather warnings for high winds and rough seas were issued. Victor Besa / The National

People watch the rain at an office tower. Victor Besa / The National

A late afternoon downpour in the city. Victor Besa / The National

A late afternoon downpour in the city. Victor Besa / The National

A late afternoon downpour in the city. Victor Besa / The National