Heavy winds and rain have been forecast across southern and eastern parts of the UAE this weekend, with the public urged to exercise caution during the unstable conditions.
The National Centre of Meteorology issued a yellow weather alert on Saturday for Al Ain and the region to the west of the city, citing a risk of dust and sandstorms caused by high winds, along with the possibility of rain and thunderstorms heading into Saturday evening.
On Saturday morning, Abu Dhabi Municipality reopened all public parks, recreational centres and municipal beaches after temporarily closing them on Friday evening because of bad weather.
Authorities took the measure as a precaution to protect the public. Heavy rain, thunder and lightning struck some parts of the emirate on Friday.
Abu Dhabi Civil Defence also issued a warning on X, urging the public to be vigilant during the rain and to stay away from wadis and water pools.
The unsettled weather is expected to continue throughout the weekend across southern, eastern and western parts of the country, with heavy rain in places and temperatures remaining in the low 40s. Fog and mist have also been forecast for coastal areas in the coming mornings.
Drivers have been advised to obey temporary speed limits, maintain a safe distance between vehicles - especially when visibility is reduced - and avoid areas where rainwater has accumulated.
The changing of the season is just around the corner. The Suhail star - the second-brightest star in the night sky - is expected to make its first seasonal appearance in the UAE on Monday, marking the traditional end of peak summer heat and the beginning of a gradual cooling.
While temperatures are not expected to drop significantly until October, the period of peak heat, with temperatures over 50C, is not expected to return after the current inclement weather.
