UAE witnesses heavy rain, hailstones; MoI calls on public to exercise caution

Heavy to light rain fell across several parts of the country on Wednesday, including Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Sharjah, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Al Ain.

According to the National Centre of Meteorology, Jebel Al Habn recorded the highest rainfall at 12.3 mm, followed by Al Farfar at 11 mm, Mirbah in Fujairah at 9.3 mm, Shawka at 7.7 mm, and Khorfakkan at 1.1 mm.

Heavy rain accompanied by small hailstones was reported along Sheikh Khalifa Road and in Al Bithnah in Fujairah, Wadi Al Ajili and Shawka in Ras Al Khaimah, and Al Nahwa in Sharjah.

Heavy rainfall also affected areas south of Margham in Dubai and north of Shawka, Sheikh Khalifa Road toward Mleiha, Al Madam, Mleiha, and Wadi Shis in Sharjah, Al Bulaida, Qarat, and Al Hail, various parts of Fujairah city, and Al Nabgha and Al Khareer in Al Ain.

Rain of varying intensity was also reported west of Aseeb and Bu Al Dhiyab in Al Dhafra region, as well as north of Abu Haribah in Al Ain. Moderate rain fell in Al Badayer in Sharjah, Mirbah, Al Qurayyah, and Safad in Fujairah, and Al Sarouj and Al Shuwaymiyah in Al Ain.

Light to moderate rainfall was recorded southwest of Al Ajban in Abu Dhabi, west of Sweihan and Malaqet in Al Ain, Al Ghail, Kadra, and Asfani in Ras Al Khaimah, Narqab in Dubai, Al Baha in Fujairah, and Mukhayriz in Al Dhafra region.

In a related development, the Ministry of Interior (MoI) has urged the public to exercise caution and follow safety guidelines amid the expected weather conditions.

The country is forecast to experience rain and winds of varying intensity, accompanied by thunder, lightning, occasional hail, and reduced horizontal visibility in some areas. The Ministry stressed the importance of reducing driving speeds, avoiding wadi (valley) watercourses and areas, where water may accumulate, and staying away from the sea and beaches, emphasizing that everyone’s safety remains the top priority.

The NCM has also urged the public to follow safety procedures during dusty conditions, drive cautiously, and avoid direct exposure to dust and airborne particles. It advised keeping doors and windows closed to prevent dust from entering buildings, following weather bulletins issued by official authorities, and refraining from spreading rumors.

For Thursday, the NCM forecasts partly cloudy to occasionally cloudy weather, with a chance of convective clouds bringing rain to scattered areas, which may be heavy at times. A further slight drop in temperatures is expected. Northwesterly winds will be light to moderate, strengthening at times and raising dust. Wind speeds will range from 15 to 30 km/h, reaching up to 55 km/h. Seas will be rough to very rough at times in the Arabian Gulf and moderate to rough in the Sea of Oman.

On Friday, the weather will be generally partly cloudy, with some clouds appearing in the east. Northwesterly winds will be light to moderate, freshening at times and raising dust, with speeds of 15 to 30 km/h and gusts reaching 45 km/h. Seas will be very rough to rough in the Arabian Gulf and moderate to rough in the Sea of Oman.

Saturday is expected to be generally partly cloudy. Northwesterly to southwesterly winds will be light to moderate, strengthening at times and raising dust. Speeds will range from 15 to 30 km/h, reaching up to 45 km/h. Seas will be rough in the Arabian Gulf and rough to moderate in the Sea of Oman.

On Sunday, the weather will be fair to partly cloudy. Northwesterly to southwesterly winds will be light to moderate, freshening at times and raising dust, with speeds of 10 to 25 km/h, reaching up to 40 km/h. Seas will be rough in the Arabian Gulf and calm, with light waves, in the Sea of Oman.