UAE weather: Rain expected in parts of the country from Sunday

NCM warns of a chance of heavy downpours with thunder and lightning

Thunderstorms are expected in parts of the UAE from Sunday. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Rain is expected in the UAE from Sunday until Tuesday, the National Centre of Meteorology has said.

There is a chance of heavy downpours with thunder and lightning early next week, as well as a drop in temperatures.

Strong winds are forecast, with the rain expected to ease by Tuesday.

“Strong winds are also anticipated, shifting from south-easterly to north-easterly and, eventually, north-westerly,” state news agency Wam reported.

“These winds, described as moderate to fresh and potentially reaching strong gusts, could cause blowing dust and sandstorms, significantly reducing visibility on the roads.

“Motorists are urged to exercise caution and be aware of changing conditions.”

Friday

Fair to partly cloudy conditions are expected across the emirates, with cloud dropping by night and into Saturday morning over some areas, the NCM said.

There is a chance of rainfall in some coastal and western areas, with humid conditions expected in the evening.

Temperatures will be stable, at about 24°C at midday in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, the Windy app suggests.

Sea conditions will be moderate to slight in the Arabian Gulf and slight in the Gulf of Oman.

Saturday

Saturday is expected to be partly cloudy in general across the country, the NCM states.

There is a chance of rainfall at intervals in some coastal and western areas, while the sea will be slight to moderate in the Arabian Gulf and slight in the Gulf of Oman.

Temperatures will reach about 26°C at midday in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, the Windy app suggests.

Sunday

Sunday will be partly cloudy in general, according to the NCM, with a chance of intermittent rain.

The Windy app suggests rain will fall in Dubai from 10am but will ease off by early afternoon, with clearer skies from about 2pm. It appears any rainfall in Abu Dhabi will be much lighter.

Winds are forecast to be fresh to strong at times, especially over the sea causing blowing dust and sand, reducing visibility.

Temperatures will reach about 29°C at midday in Abu Dhabi and 27°C Dubai, the Windy app suggests.

The sea will be moderate to rough, becoming very rough at times, with clouds in the Arabian Gulf, and slight to moderate in the Gulf of Oman.

Monday

The country is expected to be cloudy in general, with rainfall at intervals, the NCM says.

Winds are forecast to be fresh to strong at times ,especially over the sea causing blowing dust and sand reducing the horizontal visibility.

Temperatures will reach about 31°C in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai, the Windy app suggests.

The sea will be moderate to rough, becoming very rough at times with clouds in the Arabian Gulf and moderate in Oman Sea.

Tuesday

NCM forecasts an increase in cloud cover with the potential for light to moderate rain, Wam reports.

There is a chance of heavy downpours, with intervals of thunder and lightning, while the adverse weather is expected to ease by Tuesday evening.

More detailed forecasts for early next week will follow in the coming days.

It was only last week that the UAE was hit by stormy weather – especially in Dubai.

Conditions were so treacherous that some flights into the emirate were cancelled, with many others diverted.

Residents were urged by authorities to leave their homes only if necessary, given the hazardous conditions on the roads.

Aftermath of heavy rain hitting 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