According to the National Center of Meteorology (NCM), the weather in the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday, August 18, will be moderately clear or partly cloudy. In the afternoon, convective clouds may form in the eastern and southern parts of the country, associated with precipitation.
The wind will blow from southeast to northeast, being light or moderate, at speeds up to 40 km/h. The sea in the Arabian Gulf will be calm, while in the Gulf of Oman it will be slightly wavy or moderate.
Summer temperatures in the UAE persist, with the thermometer reaching 46°C in Abu Dhabi, and 45°C in Dubai and Sharjah. Minimum temperatures in these emirates will be 32°C, 34°C, and 31°C, respectively.
The peak of summer in the UAE is expected to end soon with the rising of the star Suhail on August 24. Experts note that after this date, temperatures in the region will begin to decrease, but residents will still have to feel the summer heat, and the temperature drop will be gradual, not sharp.
Rain was observed again in the UAE on Sunday, August 9th. Videos have appeared online showing thunderstorms and hail falling on Al Ain.
The last two weeks in the eastern and southern regions of the country have been accompanied by wet weather, despite peak summer temperatures reaching 50°C. The National Center of Meteorology (NCM) issued orange and yellow warnings regarding convective clouds that may cause precipitation, and these warnings are valid until 22:00 on Sunday.
Areas covered by this alert include the southern districts of Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Fujairah emirates. Footage shows heavy rain and hail falling on the Dubai-Al Ain road on Sunday, August 9th, with reduced visibility on the road.
Another video demonstrates camels sheltering under trees during heavy downpours in the desert. Residents were advised to exercise caution when going outdoors on that day due to expected hazardous weather phenomena.
Meanwhile, Oman warned its residents about possible flash floods due to heavy rains over the Hajar Mountains, located on the border with the UAE. The Omani Meteorological Department also forecasted hail in the region and issued warnings nationwide.
Concurrently, the meteorological center of Saudi Arabia warned residents of some regions about thunderstorms and hail, as well as heavy rains and winds that could raise dust.
According to NCM data, the UAE may face additional rainy days over the next week, which will be a relief for residents struggling with high temperatures reaching 50°C. On Saturday, thousands of residents traveled to Mleiha in search of rain and encountered a period of heavy rain, thunder, and hail in the afternoon.
Astronomers predict that the star Suhail will rise on August 24th, which usually marks the end of the peak of summer and the beginning of a 40-day transition period from extreme heat to cooler temperatures.
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.
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.
