The UAE is currently moving through a final wave of heavy rain and thunderstorms, with authorities working quickly to ensure public safety and manage waterlogging. This intense weather system is now weakening as it moves across the Emirates. Clearer skies and stable conditions are forecast to return just in time for a sunny Saturday!
Living in the UAE, we are used to sunshine, but the recent stretch of unstable weather has certainly kept everyone on their toes. From thunderous downpours to dusty winds, the past few days have felt more like a tropical storm season than a typical spring. However, there is good news on the horizon: The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has confirmed that the final wave of this weather system is moving through, and things are expected to settle down just in time for the weekend.
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On Thursday night and early Friday morning, the last major "rain band" began its journey across the country. Starting in the western regions, it moved over Al Dhafra and Abu Dhabi before heading toward Dubai, the Northern Emirates, and Al Ain.
This wasn’t just a light drizzle. Residents experienced heavy downpours, flashes of lightning, and the rumble of thunder. In some areas, visibility dropped significantly as winds reached speeds of up to 60kph, kicking up dust and sand. While it may have felt intense, experts at the NCM were quick to clarify that this was a standard low-pressure system and not a cyclone, despite rumors circulating on social media.
To give you an idea of how much water actually fell, several weather stations recorded impressive totals. Al Tawiyeen saw nearly 48mm of rain, while areas like Khor Fakkan and Al Marjan followed closely behind. This level of rainfall is quite significant for the region and explains why many wadis (valleys) in the eastern mountains saw a sudden rush of water.
If you have outdoor plans, you’ll be happy to know that the worst is behind us. Here is the outlook for the next few days:
While the weather is easing, authorities are still urging residents to remain cautious. The Ministry of Interior and local police departments have reminded motorists that wet roads can be incredibly slippery. Even as the sun comes out, standing water in low-lying areas or "ponds" can be deeper than they look.
It’s also worth noting the incredible work done by municipal teams across the Emirates. From Sharjah to Dubai, crews have been working around the clock to clear drainage systems and even disinfect areas with stagnant water to prevent pests like mosquitoes from breeding.
As we move into a much calmer Saturday, we can finally put the umbrellas away and enjoy the cooler, refreshed atmosphere that a good rain always leaves behind in the desert. Stay safe and enjoy the clear skies!
Source: Gulf News
Image: AI Generated
