The National Centre for Meteorology said there was a chance of light rainfall at the weekend. Antonie Robertson / The National
The National Centre for Meteorology said there was a chance of light rainfall at the weekend. Antonie Robertson / The National
The National Centre for Meteorology said there was a chance of light rainfall at the weekend. Antonie Robertson / The National
The National Centre for Meteorology said there was a chance of light rainfall at the weekend. Antonie Robertson / The National

UAE set for wet weekend with high winds and drop in temperatures expected


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Parts of the UAE are set for a wet weekend with light rainfall, high winds and a steep drop in temperatures.

The National Centre for Meteorology said high humidity and dust storms were in prospect in the days ahead.

The Emirates has experienced unsettled weather in recent weeks, including scattered showers and bouts of fog.

UAE authorities issued a yellow weather alert for rain and thunder on Monday and Tuesday.

The Khor Fakkan-Dafta Road in Ras Al Khaimah was temporarily closed after it was blocked by falling rocks on Tuesday, following heavy rain.

The weather bureau said in its latest five-day bulletin that Saturday would be “dusty and partly cloudy to cloudy over some areas with a probability of light rainfall”.

There would be a “decrease in temperatures westward”, with strong winds of up to 55kph kicking up dust and sand which could hamper visibility for motorists.

Rain in the UAE — in pictures

The NCM said there was a chance of light rainfall on Sunday, accompanied by a “significant decrease in temperatures”.

Wind speeds could reach 60kph with rough seas expected in the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.

The NCM's online weather map states that the mercury will remain above 33°C in Abu Dhabi and 32°C in Dubai on Saturday, but will drop below 30°C in both emirates the following day.

The highest temperature at the weekend is forecast for Al Quaa in the Abu Dhabi desert, at 36°C on Saturday.

Temperatures will fall to as low as 25°C in Abu Al Abyad, an island off Abu Dhabi, on Sunday, the forecaster said.

If you go:
The flights: Etihad, Emirates, British Airways and Virgin all fly from the UAE to London from Dh2,700 return, including taxes
The tours: The Tour for Muggles usually runs several times a day, lasts about two-and-a-half hours and costs £14 (Dh67)
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is on now at the Palace Theatre. Tickets need booking significantly in advance
Entrance to the Harry Potter exhibition at the House of MinaLima is free
The hotel: The grand, 1909-built Strand Palace Hotel is in a handy location near the Theatre District and several of the key Harry Potter filming and inspiration sites. The family rooms are spacious, with sofa beds that can accommodate children, and wooden shutters that keep out the light at night. Rooms cost from £170 (Dh808).

Updated: March 31, 2023, 7:50 AM