UAE weather forecast: More cloud cover today after Dubai rain, thunder, sandstorm

The heavy and unstable weather that affected Dubai and Abu Dhabi yesterday, is forecast to continue though, rain is not expected, according to the National Centre of Meteorology & Seismology (NCMS).

The NCMS forecast for the today and tomorrow expects partly cloudy to cloudy at times, the amount of clouds will increase especially over the eastern and southern areas with chance of some towering clouds. Moderate winds in general freshening at times, may cause some blowing dust/haze over the internal and open lands and reduce visibility at times.

In the east of Dubai on Monday, it did not look like a summer day today as UAE residents know it. In the afternoon, the area was struck with rain, thunder and a sandstorm, all at the same time.

The area between Dubai and Hatta is experiencing rain, thunder and heavy winds, the National Centre of Meteorology & Seismology (NCMS) has said. 

Because of a strong downdraft, sand is swept along as the clouds are passing over land, hence the emergence of a sandstorm, explained meteorologist Ahmad Habib. 

The heavy weather conditions have developed locally, he added.

“These weather conditions are characteristic of convective clouds. These clouds come with strong wind and rain.  This weather is not coming from anywhere; it is the result of clouds that are currently passing Dubai.”

Convective clouds are clouds that are formed in vertical motions. Residents in the eastern areas of the emirate were surprised by the sudden change of weather.

“When I looked eastwards, the sky was filled with dark clouds. The wind is strong and my vehicle was swinging as I was driving,” said S. Kumar in Dubai Media City. 

While the weather looked terrifying in the east, the sky seemed clear in the west.  Inland temperatures could reach 47 degrees Celsius, while the maximum temperature forecasted on the coast is 43 degrees and 35 in the mountain areas. 

The weather is expected to remain the same over the next two days, although a south-easterly wind with an average speed of 20-28 kmph is expected to carry the heavy clouds further east. 

“The south and east regions of the UAE, in addition to the area where the clouds are now, will experience similar weather conditions over the next two days,” said Ahmed.

Heavy rains lash Madinat Zayed in Western Region

Heavy and torrential rains accompanied with the thunders and lightening hit Madinat Zayed this afternoon for one and half hours, leading to the clogging of water in low areas and streets.

The rains caused the twigs of trees to fall on some streets, obstructing the traffic in the city centre.

Meanwhile, the traffic police directed the traffic and urged motorists to take the precautionary measures and avoid speeding, especially in such rainy conditions.

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