Stormy weather is predicted across the UAE this weekend and into early next week.
Forecasters said we could expect the country to be hit by heavy rain, hailstones and even frost in some areas.
They said an “unstable system” of weather would sweep in across the nation from Thursday evening.
Abu Dhabi Police said drivers who try to take photos or video of weather events from behind the wheel risk causing accidents.
Rain and wind will develop in the west before making its way eastwards towards the northern emirates in the north, before enveloping the rest of the country throughout the weekend.
Abu Dhabi was completely overcast on Thursday afternoon with dark skies warning of rain.
National Centre of Meteorology forecaster Amna Al Zaabi said the stormy weather was expected to stay until Monday.
“The weather instability is expected to intensify and will gradually extend over most areas of the country on Friday and Saturday," she said.
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Rain falls over Khalifa City in Abu Dhabi on Thursday night. Victor Besa / The National -
Cars drive slowly over the wet roads as rain falls over Abu Dhabi on Thursday. Victor Besa / The National -
A man walks in the rain in Abu Dhabi on Thursday night. Victor Besa / The National -
Commuters wait for their bus in the rain in Abu Dhabi on Thursday night. Victor Besa / The National -
A woman carries her shopping home in the rain on Thursday. Victor Besa / The National -
Commuters wait for their bus in the rain in Abu Dhabi on Thursday night. Victor Besa / The National -
Rain falls across Abu Dhabi on Thursday night. More rain is expected over the weekend. Victor Besa / The National
She added different intensities of weather were expected with chances of lightning and thunder at times.
“The wind will be fresh to strong leading to blowing dust and sand over the exposed areas,” she said.
“We urge drivers to be cautious and follow the traffic rules.”
This was predicted to create cloudy conditions with rain on coastal and eastern regions.
She called for people to stay safe by following weather updates over the course of the weekend.
The NCM’s website warned there could be flash floods on Friday cause by thunder and lightning.
It also predicted winds would reach a high of 70kmh on Friday.
