UAE: Rain swept across parts of the UAE on Monday, October 12, bringing hail to areas of Sharjah, heavy showers around Al Ain, flowing water along roads near Hatta and dramatic lightning displays.
Videos shared on social media captured hailstones scattered across desert roads, motorists driving through wet conditions and muddy water rushing through low-lying terrain.
The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has forecast further rainfall in parts of the country until the end of the week, with showers potentially reaching inland areas of Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Al Dhafra. Thunder, gusty winds and blowing dust are also possible.
Sharjah: Hail Reported in Mleiha, Al Madam and Al Ukhaidir
Sharjah’s central region experienced hail on Monday, with reports from Mleiha, Al Madam and Al Ukhaidir.
Videos shared by weather-tracking account Storm Centre showed small hailstones scattered across sandy roads and open ground in Mleiha and Al Ukhaidir. Another clip showed hail falling on a road in Al Madam.
Storm chasers were also seen documenting the conditions. A video shared by UAE Weatherman showed two men standing in the rain beside a large vehicle in Al Madam at around 5.40pm.
Another video reportedly filmed in Mleiha at around 4.10pm showed rain and reduced visibility along a road.
Al Ain Sees Heavy Showers
Rain was also reported in and around Al Ain, where unsettled weather continued into the evening.
Storm Centre shared footage at 8.37pm showing rain falling west of the city. Streetlights illuminated the downpour as water collected on the road and vehicles moved through the wet conditions.
Water Flows Along the Hatta Road
Rainfall caused runoff along Al Watan Road towards Hatta, with muddy water seen rushing through low-lying areas beside the road.
Such conditions can be particularly dangerous near mountains and wadis, where heavy rainfall may cause water levels to rise quickly.
Shawkah in Ras Al Khaimah was also among the areas that received rain on Monday, as showers of varying intensity affected parts of the eastern and northern UAE.
Dramatic Lightning Captured in Sharjah
The unsettled weather also produced striking lightning displays in Sharjah.
A video shared by Instagram user @s_rak29, reportedly filmed in Mleiha, showed a branching lightning bolt stretching across the sky and appearing to strike the ground, creating a bright orange flash.
Another video shared by UAE Weatherman was described as showing a lightning bolt striking the ground in Hamda, Sharjah, on Monday evening.
NCM Issues Flash Flood and Driving Warnings
The NCM issued a flash flood warning for some mountainous areas on Monday. The alert was in effect from 3.30pm to 9pm on October 12, with residents urged to exercise caution and stay away from areas vulnerable to flash flooding.
In a separate advisory, the authority recommended avoiding driving unless necessary. Motorists who needed to travel were advised to drive carefully, remain alert and use low-beam headlights when visibility was poor.
Residents were also urged to follow official weather forecasts and instructions from the relevant authorities, rather than sharing unverified information.
More Rain Forecast Across the UAE
Further showers are expected in parts of the UAE until the end of the week, potentially spreading from eastern and northern areas into inland locations.
According to Dr Ahmed Habib, a meteorologist at the NCM, possible areas of rainfall include:
- Dubai: Inland areas, including locations near Mirdif.
- Dubai–Al Ain Road: Areas along the route between the two cities.
- Abu Dhabi–Al Ain Road: Locations along the highway connecting the cities.
- Sweihan: Inland areas near Al Ain.
- Al Dhafra: Parts of the region, including Madinat Zayed.
Rain is expected to be light to moderate but could become heavy at times, accompanied by thunder and gusty winds. Downdrafts from developing clouds may also stir up dust and sand, reducing visibility, particularly in open areas.
Residents are advised to monitor official weather updates and take extra care when travelling through mountainous areas, wadis and locations prone to flash flooding.
