Dubai Deluge: Hail and Heavy Rain Hit

Stormy Days in Dubai

Weather surprises are not uncommon in the United Arab Emirates, but the events on September 3rd still deserve attention. Certain parts of Dubai were hit by unusually heavy rain, hail, and lightning as the country is under the influence of an extensive atmospheric system bringing moist air masses from the south into the region. Visibility drastically decreased in several places, roads became slippery, and residents were warned with alerts about the dangerous conditions.

What caused the heavy rain and hail?

The meteorological background of these events is not ordinary. The UAE is currently under the influence of both surface and high-altitude low-pressure systems. This is coupled with the northward movement of the tropical convergence zone (ITCZ), further increasing instability. These systems allow warm, moist air to enter the country from the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman, which is conducive to the formation of cumulonimbus clouds.

These clouds are characterized by the sudden production of intense precipitation, often accompanied by lightning, thunder, and even hail. Footage from the Margham area vividly shows hailstones pelting car windshields as drivers try to navigate flooded roads amid reduced visibility.

Warnings and official alerts

The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has issued yellow and orange warnings, indicating medium and high levels of danger. Residents are urged to exercise caution if planning outdoor activities. The warning applies not only to heavy rain but also to strong winds up to 45 km/h, which can cause sand and dust storms, especially in the eastern part of the country.

What to expect in the coming days?

According to the current forecasts, the volatile weather may persist until September 5th, Friday. Convective clouds are likely to continue forming across different parts of the country, mainly in the eastern, southern, and interior regions. These clouds could bring intense showers, thunder, lightning, and occasional hail, especially on Thursday.

The temperature remains extreme: on September 3rd, the highest temperature was recorded in the Sweihan area at 46.5 °C, while the lowest value was noted in Raknah at 22.9 °C in the morning.

Travel challenges and precautions

The rains and resulting limited visibility posed significant challenges to those on the roads. Particularly, footage from the Hatta area shows the extent of water flow on the roads. Under such conditions, authorities recommend postponing travel if possible or choosing alternative routes.

It's important to highlight that the UAE's infrastructure is well adapted to sudden rainfall, but even so, such extreme weather events can overburden the system. Ditches and drainage systems may not absorb the large volumes of rainwater quickly, potentially causing flash floods in short periods.

What can residents do?

Authorities urge residents to regularly check weather alerts via official NCM channels and not to rely solely on information circulating on social media. Those planning outdoor activities, especially in mountainous or desert regions, should monitor the movement of convective clouds.

It is advisable to prepare in advance for stormy weather: check the vehicle’s wipers, tires, lights, and, if possible, keep drinking water and a charged mobile phone in the vehicle for emergencies. Electrical appliances should be turned off during lightning, and staying in open areas should be minimized.

Impact of climate change?

The observed weather extremes in the region are not unique. It is increasingly common for Dubai and the rest of the UAE to be exposed to weather phenomena that were previously rare. The global effects of climate change are reaching the Middle East too: temperature extremes, sudden downpours, and the associated damage pose challenges that both infrastructure and people need to respond to.

Conclusion

Dubai’s weather once again served as a reminder that even modern urban environments are not entirely protected from nature’s forces. Hail, lightning, and heavy rains not only disrupt transportation but also affect the daily lives of residents. Precaution, awareness, and responsible behavior are particularly important now. Monitoring forecasts is advisable in the coming days, as the cumulonimbus clouds have not yet said their final word over the UAE.

(Source of the article: National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) statement.)