UAE's Weather: Cool Winds Follow Heavy Rains

The Main Wave of Rain Ends in UAE – But Cold, Windy Weather to Persist Over the Weekend

The weather in the United Arab Emirates has once again shown its changeable, sometimes harsh face in recent days. The main wave of heavy showers, thunderstorms, and windstorms has subsided, but the sunny, dry climate to which residents are accustomed won't return over the weekend. According to the National Center of Meteorology's (NCM) Friday report, the primary rain zone has passed over the country, but the cold and cloudy weather will remain, with further precipitation expected in some areas.

Near-record Rainfall in Ras Al Khaimah Region

One of the most astonishing reports came from the Al Ghazlah region in the Ras Al Khaimah emirate, where 127 millimeters of precipitation was measured. This figure is remarkable on its own, but especially considering that the UAE is a desert country, where the annual rainfall generally doesn't exceed 100-120 millimeters in most areas.

The Saqr Port station followed with 123 mm, while Jabal Al Rahbah recorded 117.5 mm, and Jebel Jais registered 116.6 mm. Even in the city of Ras Al Khaimah, 72 mm of rain was measured, which is significant in an urban setting. These numbers pose challenges not only for drainage systems but also impact transportation, agriculture, and everyday life significantly.

Clouds Clearing up, but Gloomy, Windy Weather Remains

According to meteorological reports, the number of rain clouds began to decrease over the emirates, though periods of cloudy skies will remain over the weekend, especially in areas where convective clouds – rapidly growing rain clouds – could reform. Minor, localized showers are expected on Saturday and Sunday, primarily in the mountainous and interior regions.

These types of clouds are often accompanied by stronger gusts of wind, which can stir up dust and sand clouds, significantly reducing visibility, particularly in open and uninhabited areas. This poses a particular hazard to transportation, so authorities are urging drivers to proceed with even greater caution over the coming days.

Cold Days, Even Colder Nights – Especially in the Mountains

The cooling is felt across the entire country. Daytime temperatures have dropped significantly, replacing the usual 25-30 degrees Celsius with maximums closer to 18-22 degrees in many areas. Nights are even colder, especially in desert interiors and mountainous regions. Around Jebel Jais, temperatures could drop below 10 degrees Celsius at night, which is unusually low for the UAE.

This sudden temperature change not only affects people's comfort but also the operation of buildings, vehicles, and certain infrastructures. In areas not accustomed to heating, residents have to resort to alternative solutions – such as portable heaters or thicker clothing. The impact is also felt in tourism: instead of outdoor activities, beachgoing, or outdoor events, many are opting for indoor activities.

Marine Conditions Remain Hazardous

Wind movements have intensified over the waters of both the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, making current marine conditions unfavorable for sailing or water sports. Waves are significant, and the wind further complicates marine navigation. Authorities have thus advised those with smaller vessels and fishermen not to set out in the coming days and to postpone any sea activities if possible.

This is particularly important for tourism businesses organizing water excursions – such as sunset boat tours off the coast of Dubai – as the safety of tourists remains a primary consideration, even when the weather is unpredictable.

Further Warnings and Advice for Residents

The NCM continues to advise residents to follow weather forecasts and keep an eye on updates from official sources. Although the main wave of rain has ended, the weekend's weather still holds many challenges: slippery roads, low visibility, sudden wind gusts, and waterlogged areas can make navigation difficult.

Public services and municipalities in Dubai and other major cities have already begun restoration work where water has accumulated or damage has occurred due to rain. Most beaches and public parks have already reopened, but visitors should continue to exercise caution.

Conclusion

The recent weather events have once again highlighted that UAE's weather can change rapidly and unpredictably. The near-record rainfall, cooling, and strong winds are not only spectacular natural phenomena but also pose serious logistical, transportation, and civilian challenges. The weekend is expected to remain cool, windy, and occasionally wet – so those staying in Dubai or other parts of the country are well-advised to be prepared and move cautiously.

Such weather fluctuations are not uncommon in this period of the year, but the scale of current rains has surprised many. The impact of climate change is felt here as well, and adaptation to the environment becomes ever more vital – whether in terms of urban infrastructure, agriculture, or daily living. Dubai and the entirety of the UAE will certainly learn from the current experiences to become even more resilient to similar future challenges.

(The article source is based on an announcement from the National Center of Meteorology (NCM).)