Residents of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) may expect a pleasant surprise in the coming days amid intense heat across the country. The National Center of Meteorology (NCM) has reported that rain and cloudy weather are forecast for the country until Monday, August 3rd.
Reasons for Weather Changes
Although this might be unexpected in the middle of summer, weather experts had previously warned about possible changes. Ahmed Habib, an NCM meteorologist, explained in an interview with Khaleej Times that the cause of precipitation in the country could be the El Niño wave. This natural climate cycle, which occurs around the globe every two to seven years and lasts almost a year, causes the surface of the Pacific Ocean near the equator to become significantly warmer than usual, shifting global wind and rainfall patterns.
In the UAE, this phenomenon contributes to increased atmospheric humidity, which many may have noticed as higher humidity in recent days, especially at night. While increased humidity creates conditions for the formation of convective clouds and increases the probability of rain, it does not affect the overall temperature, which is likely to remain high due to the extreme heat brought by El Niño to this region.
Future Forecasts
Habib noted that as the summer weather in the Emirates transitions to autumn, this phenomenon may become even more significant in the later season. He added that the influence of El Niño will be felt in the region starting in autumn, particularly in October and November, whereas currently, during the summer period, its impact is stronger in East Asia than in West Asia. In the UAE, this will lead to an increased chance of precipitation.
Weather Forecast Details
Since heavy rains and even hail were observed in the mountainous and coastal areas of Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, and Al Ain in recent days, the Meteorological Authority has issued a warning for further rainfall across the country from Thursday, July 30th, to Monday, August 3rd.
For Thursday, July 30th, clear or partly cloudy skies are expected, with a possibility of convective cloud formation in the afternoon over some eastern and western areas, which may be accompanied by rain. Light to moderate southeast or northeast winds are expected, occasionally fresh or strong, with dust being lifted by the wind at speeds of 10-25 km/h, reaching 45 km/h. The sea in the Arabian Gulf and the Oman Sea will be calm. Coastal temperatures will range from 38°C to 44°C, with a minimum of 29°C to 35°C. Inland temperatures will fluctuate from a maximum of 43°C to 48°C, with a minimum of 25°C to 33°C. In the mountains, temperatures will remain between 30°C and 38°C, dropping to 26°C to 32°C.
On Friday, July 31st, clear or partly cloudy skies are forecast, with a probability of convective cloud formation in the east and south in the afternoon, which may lead to rain. Light to moderate southeast or northeast winds are expected at 10-20 km/h, reaching 40 km/h. The sea in the Arabian Gulf and the Oman Sea will be calm. Coastal temperatures will range from 38°C to 44°C, with a minimum of 28°C to 35°C. Inland temperatures will fluctuate from 43°C to 48°C, with a minimum of 25°C to 33°C. In the mountains, temperatures will be in the range of 31°C to 38°C, dropping to 27°C to 32°C.
On Saturday, August 1st, clear or partly cloudy skies are expected, with cloud appearance in the east and south in the afternoon. Light to moderate southeast, transitioning to northwest winds at 10-20 km/h, reaching 30 km/h. The sea in the Arabian Gulf and the Oman Sea will be calm. Coastal temperatures will range from 38°C to 44°C, with a minimum of 29°C to 35°C. Inland temperatures will fluctuate from 44°C to 49°C, with a minimum of 25°C to 34°C. In the mountains, temperatures will remain between 33°C and 39°C, dropping to 27°C to 33°C.
On Sunday, August 2nd, partly cloudy skies are expected in places, with cloud appearance in the east, which may be convective in the afternoon. Light to moderate southeast, transitioning to northwest winds at 10-20 km/h, reaching 30 km/h. Conditions in the Arabian Gulf and the Oman Sea are likely to be calm. Coastal temperatures will range from 40°C to 46°C, with a minimum of 29°C to 36°C. Inland temperatures will fluctuate from 45°C to 49°C, with a minimum of 26°C to 34°C. In the mountains, temperatures will be in the range of 33°C to 40°C, dropping to 28°C to 33°C.
On Monday, August 3rd, partly cloudy skies are forecast in places, with a probability of convective cloud formation in the east and south, which may be accompanied by rain in the afternoon. Light to moderate southeast or northeast winds are expected, occasionally intensifying and causing dust to be lifted at speeds of 10-25 km/h, reaching 40 km/h. The sea in the Arabian Gulf and the Oman Sea will be calm. Coastal temperatures will range from 39°C to 46°C, with a minimum of 27°C to 32°C. Inland temperatures will fluctuate from 45°C to 49°C, with a minimum of 26°C to 34°C. In the mountains, temperatures will remain between 32°C and 40°C, dropping to 29°C to 33°C.
Official Warnings
Under these weather conditions, authorities across the UAE are issuing yellow, orange, and red alerts depending on the severity of the rainfall in the respective areas. Drivers are advised to exercise caution on the roads, observe reduced speed limits, and follow traffic rules to ensure their own safety and the safety of other road users. Tourists and outdoor enthusiasts are advised to avoid wadis and valleys that may overflow during such periods, causing floods and washing away vehicles. Regarding hail, the NCM constantly urges residents to monitor weather forecasts through official channels, follow instructions issued by relevant authorities, and avoid spreading rumors.
