UAE Weather: Heavy rains and hail occurred some parts of the country

UAE Faces Unusual Weather: Heavy Rains, Hailstorms

Residents of Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah are currently experiencing an atypical spring week, marked by intense showers and heavy rains accompanied by hailstorms. This uncharacteristic weather phenomenon has also affected Sharjah and Ajman, where heavy rains have led to reports of traffic congestion, causing inconvenience for motorists.

In response to these weather conditions, the UAE’s Meteorological Department has issued advisories urging residents to exercise caution during episodes of strong convective cloud activity, particularly over Eastern and Northern regions. The department has warned of reduced horizontal visibility due to strong winds and emphasized the importance of avoiding areas prone to flash flooding and accumulated rainwater to ensure safety.

The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) recently shared a video depicting rainwater cascading down from the mountains in Ghayl, underscoring the severity of the weather situation. Authorities in Ras Al Khaimah have also cautioned residents about inclement weather conditions, urging them to refrain from venturing into the sea and to exercise vigilance.

Earlier forecasts from the NCM indicated that the weather is expected to transition from heavy showers and hailstorms to fair to partly cloudy conditions. However, the possibility of low clouds forming in Eastern regions during the morning, followed by local convective rainy cloud formations later in the day, cannot be discounted. Fresh winds with speeds of up to 40 km/hr are anticipated from 08:15 until 18:00 on Monday.

Temperature-wise, Abu Dhabi and Dubai are expected to reach highs of 39ºC and 38ºC, respectively. Additionally, residents should anticipate humid conditions over certain internal and coastal areas, with a likelihood of fog or mist formation in the early morning hours, particularly in western regions.

While parts of the UAE have already experienced heavy to moderate rainfall, along with hailstorms in Al Ain, the country is bracing itself for continued unstable weather conditions in the coming days. NCM experts have identified May 2-3 as the ‘peak’ period, during which moderate to heavy rainfall is expected over scattered areas. These weather episodes may also be accompanied by lightning, thunder, and a probability of hail, necessitating heightened preparedness and caution among residents.