UAE Hailstorm: A Cool Break from Heat

Hailstorm and Heavy Rains Refresh Al Ain: UAE's First Summer Storm Brings Relief

The first summer hailstorm has arrived in the United Arab Emirates, providing an unexpected twist for residents accustomed to the scorching months. In regions associated with Al Ain—such as Khatm Al Shakla, Malaqit, and Al-Zuhrub—stormy weather developed on Saturday evening, with intense downpours, lightning, and hail. This spectacular natural event was confirmed by the Storm Centre and the National Meteorological Center.

Unexpected Cooling and Alerts

The meteorological center issued orange and yellow alerts for parts of Al Ain, highlighting that outdoor activities could be hazardous due to adverse weather conditions. The aim of these warnings is to reduce the risk of accidents, particularly in open areas where sudden flooding and limited visibility pose threats.

Why Can Hail Fall in Mid-Summer?

Although surface temperatures are extremely high during summer, the atmospheric layers higher up can still be cold enough for rising water droplets to freeze into hail. Strong convective updrafts during summer thunderstorms can propel these droplets up to thousands of meters, where they become hailstones before falling back to Earth. Hail during summer is not uncommon, especially on the edges of desert areas where unstable atmospheric conditions foster storm formation.

Relief from the Heat

The unusual weather brought temporary relief from days with average temperatures consistently exceeding 45°C. On June 21, the summer's highest temperature of 49.9°C was recorded in Mezaira. Last month, thermometers showed 51.6°C, making this May the hottest in the country over the past two decades. The recent rains and hail not only refreshed the air but also lifted many people's spirits.

Not an Unprecedented Phenomenon

While hail is rare in summer, similar weather events have occurred in the UAE in recent years. In October 2024, a similar storm hit areas around Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah, while in January 2025, hail accompanied rains in the north, such as the Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain regions. The mountainous areas in the eastern part of the country often see small waterfalls emerge due to the runoff from the rainfall during these times.

Summary

The recent hailstorm and heavy rain not only became a meteorological curiosity on the summer event calendar but also provided tangible relief against the extreme heat. Similar occurrences highlight how variable and complex weather can be, even in a country with a desert climate like the UAE.

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