Heavy rains hit parts of the UAE; orange warning issued due to hazardous weather conditions

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 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.

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.