Heavy rain in Dubai and hail in Sharjah as stormy weather continues

Waves as high as two metres expected in the Arabian Gulf as 40kph winds crash in

Rain fell in the Al Nahda area of Dubai on Tuesday morning. Kumar Shyam / The National

Rain in the Al Nahda area in Dubai. The weather has been unsettled for a few days now. Kumar Shyam / The National

A brief sandstorm was seen close to Abu Dhabi's Reem Island on Tuesday at around midday. The National

Cars in Dubai negotiate the wet roads. Kumar Shyam / The National

Stormy weather took hold of the UAE again on Tuesday as flights were delayed from Dubai.

Rain was reported across Dubai and Sharjah with residents taking to social media to share pictures and videos of the rare showers.

There was light rainfall in areas such as Business Bay, Dubai Marina, Arabian Ranches, The Springs, Jebel Ali and Al Khawaneej district in west Dubai.

Dubai Police issued a warning to motorists, asking them to be aware when driving in the wet.

“Due to unstable weather conditions and rain, motorists are asked to reduce speed and drive carefully,” the force said on Twitter.

Passengers waiting at Dubai International Airport took to social media to complain that the rain had delayed their flights.

A spokesman for the airport said: "We have had some delays due to weather conditions this morning but no cancellations or diversions."

Heavy rain with hail was also reported in Al Bataeh area of Sharjah.

In Abu Dhabi, residents reported a brief sandstorm in the Reem Island area around midday as winds picked up.

Much of the city was covered by a dust cloud soon after.

On Tuesday, the National Centre of Meteorology forecast mostly cloudy weather but by midday, the UAE's radar network showed heavy rain in Al Dhaid in Sharjah, and between Umm Al Quwain and Ras Al Khaimah.

The bureau also warned of waves as high as two metres in the Arabian Gulf by the evening.

Heavy rain reported in Al Dhaid, Sharjah. The blue signifies light rain, pink is heavy rain and yellow is moderate rain. Courtesy National Centre of Meteorology

Windspeeds of up to 40kph are also expected in the Northern Emirates but it is likely to be the last of the stormy weather blowing eastwards.

Light rain is expected on Thursday but the bureau forecasts mostly dry, overcast skies on Wednesday.

This week, flash floods were reported in the north eastern region of the country, with police closing roads and advising residents to stay indoors and away from low lying areas.

__________________

Read more:

Extreme weather in the UAE: Tales of sun, sand and even snow

Remembering the UAE’s Great Storm one year on

__________________

Get stories like this one in your inbox each morning. Sign up for our daily newsletter here