UAE weather: Heavy rain and rough seas forecast for week ahead

Wet week ahead in parts of the country, with dust storms also expected

The deluge of rain caused flooding in Khatm Al Shiklah, an area bordering Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. Twitter/ @NCMS_media

Al Quoz industrial area was hit by flooding after a heavy downpour of rain overnight in Dubai. Leslie Pableo for The National

Standing water logs the streets of Knowledge Village on Sunday morning. The National

Standing water logs the streets of Knowledge Village on Sunday morning. The National

Parts of the Emirates were lashed by the latest bout of heavy rain this winter. Leslie Pableo for The National

Large pools of water formed in Al Quoz after a deluge of rain in Dubai. Leslie Pableo for The National

Drivers make their way through pools of water the morning after a night of persistent rain in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak for The National

The after effects of a night of heavy rain in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak for The National

Latest weather report: Rain and thunder lash the UAE, with more on the way

Bouts of heavy rain fell over parts of the UAE on Saturday with scattered showers reported across Abu Dhabi emirate.

Overcast skies gave way to sporadic downpours, particularly in the interior areas of the country and along the east coast, a bulletin issued by the National Centre of Meteorology said.

Rain was reported in areas of Abu Dhabi city, Al Ain, Al Shamkha and Khorfakkan in Sharjah from the late afternoon into the evening. Videos shared by the Storm Centre on Twitter showed roads slicked with rain as heavy showers bore down.

Sunday is expected to be wetter still with heavy rain forecast across the seven emirates, coupled with a temperature drop and wind speeds of up to 50kph.

The gusty wind is expected to reduce visibility by whipping up dust and sand.

Rough seas have also been predicted, at a time of year that many are looking forward to Christmas boat parties or days by the beach. The bureau said waves would be as high as 2 metres off the Sea of Oman.

Rainy clouds over scattered areas of the country will likely continue on Monday. And rain is forecast over some eastern, western and northern areas of the country on Tuesday.

The greatest deluge, to be experienced across the whole country, is due on Wednesday with thunderstorms expected.

Sand storms, which will affect visibility, are predicted throughout the week.

Temperatures will drop as low at 8°C in the mountains, 14°C inland and 18°C along the coast. Maximum temperatures will peak at 30°C inland, 28 along the coast and 20 in the mountains.