Heavy Rains Batter UAE, Alert Issued

Heavy Rains and Orange Alert Across Several UAE Areas: Thunderstorm Hits Dubai and Abu Dhabi

The beginning of the week saw rainfall breaking the summer heat across several regions of the UAE, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, the Al Ain area, and the eastern coastline. The National Center of Meteorology (NCM) issued a warning as the thunderstorms brought not only refreshing rain but also strong winds and hazardous driving conditions.

Dark Clouds and Sudden Downpour

Early in the morning, dark grey clouds gathered over Fujairah, Khor Fakkan, and other eastern coastal towns, signaling the incoming rain. The spectacular storm, however, struck not only there but also in Dubai's Margham neighborhood, Abu Dhabi's Dhafrah region, and several districts of Al Ain — including Umm Ghaffa, Al Faqa, Um Al Zumoul, and Khatm Al Shiklah.

The Storm Centre shared videos showing how the sudden downpour caught drivers off guard on Al Ain roads. According to the NCM, orange and yellow alerts have been issued for multiple areas, especially those where hazardous weather conditions are expected.

Temperature Drops but Heat Persists

Despite the heavy rains, temperatures remain extremely high. In some parts of Abu Dhabi, the air cooled down to 30°C after the storm, yet in the capital, daytime temperatures can still reach up to 48°C. In Dubai, the maximum temperature is around 40°C, with a minimum of 33°C, while in Sharjah, temperatures range between 32°C and 42°C.

What Does the Orange Alert Mean?

The orange warning indicates that weather events are expected to pose significant risks to people and transportation. This is particularly important for those planning outdoor activities and those driving in stormy conditions. The NCM advises everyone to exercise increased caution and to follow the authorities' instructions in such conditions.

Variable Summer Weather in the UAE

Similar rainfalls occasionally occur in some regions of the UAE during the summer months, especially in mountainous or coastal areas. These periods of precipitation offer temporary relief from the heat but also pose significant challenges for infrastructure and transport.

Summary

Recent events have once again highlighted the need to monitor weather forecasts in the UAE even during the summer period. The recent rains brought not only a refreshing change to the heat but also remind us that nature is unpredictable — even in the hottest months.

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