UAE Braces for More Rain and 50kph Winds as Hail Lashes Coastal and Inland Areas

Parts of the United Arab Emirates experienced heavy rainfall, strong winds, and hail on Monday afternoon, with forecasts indicating continued adverse weather conditions in the coming days. The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has issued an alert for winds potentially reaching speeds of up to 50 kilometers per hour in certain coastal and inland regions, which could lead to dust storms and reduced visibility. The Storm Centre, a prominent online weather tracking platform, shared video evidence of intense downpours across parts of Sharjah and Fujairah.

The Northern Emirates have particularly endured a prolonged period of rain recently, even as temperatures across the UAE remain unseasonably high. The NCM's latest five-day weather bulletin predicts a continuation of rain, strong winds, and cloudy skies through Friday. Additionally, fog is anticipated to affect western areas of the country by Friday, potentially creating hazardous driving conditions. The NCM's online weather map indicates that Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and Al Ain are expected to receive heavy rain until Wednesday. However, Abu Dhabi and Dubai are forecast to remain dry, though high humidity levels are predicted to bring muggy conditions throughout the week.

Despite the persistent unsettled weather, temperatures are expected to remain elevated in the coming days, with Al Ain potentially exceeding 40°C and much of the country experiencing temperatures in the high 30s. This October has been warmer than average, influenced by the intensifying El Nino phenomenon, which the UAE's National Centre of Meteorology has noted could be the strongest on record. Instead of the typical cooling trend into autumn, El Nino is contributing to a high-pressure system trapping heat over the Arabian Peninsula, driving temperatures significantly above the seasonal average. The NCM's monthly weather summary indicates the UAE's average daily temperature for October is 29.7°C.

The General Civil Aviation Authority issued a warning on Saturday regarding potential disruptions to airport operations across the country due to the changing weather, which could result in flight delays. These types of weather conditions are not uncommon during the autumn season in the UAE.