On Wednesday, August 5, parts of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) experienced heavy rainfall. The National Center of Meteorology (NCM) forecasts that precipitation will continue until August 7.
On Wednesday, August 5, parts of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) experienced heavy rainfall. The National Center of Meteorology (NCM) forecasts that precipitation will continue until August 7.
Despite Al Dhafra Abu Dhabi reaching a record high of 51.2°C, other areas of the country prepared for rain as the sky was overcast in the morning. Video footage published by the Storm Center shows rain in both Fujairah and the capital's Al Dhafra area.
Despite the downpour, temperatures are expected to remain high due to the passage of the El Niño wave. Previously, NCM issued orange and yellow warnings for these parts of the Emirates to alert residents to hazardous weather conditions and recommend caution when engaging in outdoor activities.
Rain is expected to continue until 22:00 today in the eastern and western regions, accompanied by strong winds that may cause dusty conditions. Another video from the Storm Center shows residents enjoying the rain in the same locations, with overflowing curbs observed as cars cautiously moved through the downpour.
Meanwhile, in the Al Dhafra region around 15:45 today, cloudy skies and moderate rain were observed. Under such weather conditions, the Abu Dhabi police urged drivers to exercise caution and adhere to variable speed limits indicated on signs and electronic displays.
Residents are also strongly advised to monitor weather forecasts through official channels and be prepared to follow instructions from relevant authorities, avoiding rumors and relying on official NCM reports.
Earlier, on August 3, some parts of the UAE saw rain and hail, which was attributed to atmospheric conditions conducive to the formation of convective clouds. A wider Persian Gulf region is also expecting unstable weather this week, with authorities in countries such as Saudi Arabia and Oman warning of ongoing thunderstorms in several locations.
Meteorological experts, including Ahmed Habib, an NCM meteorologist, explained in a recent interview with Khaleej Times that the current El Niño wave may be the cause of the country's rainfall. El Niño is a natural climatic pattern that occurs globally every two to seven years and lasts for almost a year. It causes a significant rise in sea surface temperature near the equator, shifting warm water masses, as well as global wind and rain patterns.
In the UAE, this phenomenon is believed to increase atmospheric humidity, which many may have noticed as increased humidity in recent days, especially at night. Although high humidity contributes to the formation of convective clouds and increases the likelihood 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.
NCM has repeatedly called on residents to take the following precautions in case of convective clouds and heavy rain: follow safety measures during convective clouds; take precautions while driving in the rain; stay away from flash flood zones and accumulated rainwater; avoid being in open or elevated areas during lightning and thunder; be vigilant about downdrafts, which can lead to falling objects and reduced horizontal visibility.
Authorities have reiterated the importance of staying away from dangerous places. Residents are advised to avoid valleys, low-lying areas, and flood-prone zones, and not to attempt crossing flooded wadis. It is also recommended to stay away from beaches, the sea, and mountainous areas during unstable weather and to avoid letting children play or walk in standing water.
According to the forecast from the National Meteorology Center (NCM), variable cloudiness is expected in the United Arab Emirates on Wednesday, August 5. In the afternoon, precipitation is predicted in some eastern and southern areas, with heavy rains specifically expected in Fujairah and Al Ain.
Unstable weather conditions will persist across the country until Friday, August 7, as atmospheric conditions favor the formation of convective clouds.
On Wednesday, residents should expect a light or moderate southeast wind, which will gradually transition to a northwest wind. The wind will occasionally intensify, causing dust to rise, with speeds ranging from 10 to 25 km/h, reaching up to 40 km/h.
Air temperatures across the country will range from 29°C to 47°C; maximum temperatures are expected to be 47°C in Abu Dhabi and 45°C in Dubai, respectively. The sea in the Arabian Gulf and the Oman Sea will be calm.
The National Center of Meteorology (NCM) reported on Monday that rain is expected in parts of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) until Friday, August 7. This is due to atmospheric conditions conducive to the formation of convective clouds.
Weather systems in the region are drawing moisture from the Gulf of Oman. Combined with rising temperatures and the influence of the eastern mountains, this should lead to the development of localized convective clouds over parts of the country, especially in the afternoon. NCM noted that these clouds may bring precipitation of varying intensity.
On Monday, rain clouds may appear over some eastern and southern areas in the afternoon. The wind will be light or moderate but may occasionally increase up to 40 km/h in inland areas, causing dust to rise.
The Storm Centre meteorological channel on X stated that morning readings indicate potentially favorable conditions for thunderstorm activity later on Monday. It highlighted areas west of Al Madam, Nazwa, and Mleiha, as well as Markab, Al Fakah, and Margam in southeastern Dubai, and locations north of Al Ain as zones where cloud development is possible.
The channel also reported that moist easterly winds may shift the convergence zone further west during the day. A moist sea breeze can also create favorable conditions for cloud formation in the area stretching from the southern parts of the central region to southeastern Dubai and north of Al Ain.
According to the NCM's five-day bulletin, the probability of precipitation will continue on Tuesday over some eastern and southern territories. Southeast or northeast winds may reach 40 km/h and raise dust.
Convective clouds and rain are forecast for parts of the eastern and inland regions on Wednesday; wind speeds may occasionally increase up to 50 km/h.
On Thursday, rain clouds may form over the eastern and western areas, with winds again reaching 50 km/h. By Friday, the probability of precipitation will extend to some eastern, southern, and western areas, with wind speeds possibly reaching 40 km/h. The sea in the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman is expected to remain calm throughout the period.
Despite the rain forecast, temperatures will remain high. The maximum temperature in inland areas on Monday may reach between 45°C and 50°C, while highs on the coast and islands are expected to be within 42°C – 47°C. Mountain temperatures are forecast to be between 33°C and 39°C.
NCM previously told Khaleej Times that during previous rainy periods, cloud seeding flights were conducted whenever suitable clouds were detected. The center explained that intense summer heat stimulates the development of convective clouds through surface heating, but heat alone is not enough for precipitation. Humidity, moist air masses, atmospheric instability, upper troposphere, and favorable winds are also required. When all these elements coincide, thunderstorms and rain can develop even as temperatures approach 50°C.
According to the forecast from the National Center of Meteorology (NCM), the weather in the UAE is expected to be clear or partly cloudy on Monday, August 3.
There is a possibility of convective cloud formation in the east and south, which will lead to precipitation in the afternoon. A light to moderate southeast or northeast wind of 10–25 km/h is expected, which may occasionally increase to 40 km/h.
The sea in the Arabian Gulf and the Oman Sea will be calm. Overall temperatures across the country are predicted to reach a maximum of 48°C, with a minimum temperature of 25°C.
In major cities such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah, daytime temperatures will be 46°C, and nighttime temperatures will be 34°C, 33°C, and 32°C, respectively. Humidity levels in Dubai will fluctuate between 25 and 85 percent, in Abu Dhabi between 33 and 46 percent, and in Sharjah between 32 and 46 percent.
Residents of the UAE should expect further rain until August 6, as the expansion of the surface low-pressure system from the east will affect weather conditions. Furthermore, the weather will depend on the expansion of a weak upper atmospheric low-pressure system.
From August 2 to August 6, convective cloud formation is expected in some parts of the country, carrying the possibility of precipitation. Ahmed Habib, an NCM meteorologist, explained the possible cause of the rains during the hot summer in the UAE in a recent interview with Khaleej Times, suggesting that the ongoing El Niño wave might be the reason.
