( Image caption: Showers are expected across eastern parts of the UAE, with Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Al Ain also potentially affected. Strong winds could raise dust and reduce visibility, while rainfall may cause water to flow through wadis. Photo: KT File.)
Rain is forecast across the UAE over the next five days, with eastern parts of the country expected to receive the most rainfall. Showers may also affect Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Al Ain as changing weather conditions bring convective clouds to several areas.
Dr Ahmed Habib, a meteorologist at the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), said on Monday, October 19, that rainfall had already been recorded around Hatta, with further showers expected through the week.
“For five days…everyday, we have rainfall especially in the Eastern parts of the country, and sometimes in the North as well. Sometimes also between Al Ain and Abu Dhabi. Today, we have rainfall over the Hatta area,” Habib said.
Weather System to Bring More Rain
The unsettled conditions are being driven by a surface low-pressure system extending towards the UAE from the south-east, alongside an upper-air trough.
The system is expected to shift on Tuesday and Wednesday, creating favourable conditions for further cloud formation and rainfall.
Habib said the changing position of the low-pressure system would influence where clouds develop over the coming days, with moisture moving towards the UAE from the Arabian Sea on south-westerly winds also contributing to the weather conditions.
Rain is expected to begin in eastern areas before potentially extending towards northern and some coastal regions, particularly in the west.
Although the low-pressure system is expected to weaken gradually on October 23 and 24, moisture remaining in the upper atmosphere could continue to support cloud formation over mountainous areas.
UAE Rain Forecast from Tuesday to Friday
The NCM forecast indicates the following weather conditions across the country:
- Tuesday, October 20: Convective clouds may develop in eastern areas before extending to some inland and western regions by the afternoon, bringing a chance of rainfall.
- Wednesday, October 21: Similar conditions are expected, with further cloud formation and possible showers.
- Thursday, October 22: Rain may develop over eastern and western areas.
- Friday, October 23: The weather is expected to be fair to partly cloudy, with periods of cloudiness in eastern and western areas.
Eastern parts of the UAE, particularly mountainous areas, are expected to be among the locations most affected by the unsettled conditions.
Small Hail Possible as Winds Reach 50kmph
Alongside rainfall, some convective clouds could produce small hail, although Habib said a significant hailstorm was not expected.
“There is also a possibility of small hail associated with convective clouds. Strong updrafts and high moisture levels can lead to hail formation, which may then fall with downdrafts. However, the hail is expected to be small and is unlikely to have a significant impact on the ground,” he said.
Winds could also strengthen during cloudy conditions, with NCM forecasts indicating speeds of up to 50kmph on Tuesday and Wednesday.
The winds may raise dust and reduce horizontal visibility, potentially affecting road users.
Habib warned that rainfall over the eastern mountains could lead to water flowing through wadis.
“Residents planning trips to the mountains or wadis should exercise caution as conditions develop,” he said.
Humidity and Fog Expected in Some Areas
Humidity is forecast to increase overnight and during the early morning in some coastal and inland areas, creating the possibility of fog or mist in certain locations.
Meanwhile, temperatures across the UAE have been around 1°C to 1.5°C above the seasonal average this October.
Habib said high humidity and elevated moisture levels in the atmosphere were contributing to uncomfortable conditions, even though recorded temperatures were only marginally higher than usual.
Residents are advised to follow official NCM updates, take care when driving in dusty or low-visibility conditions, and exercise caution around wadis and mountainous areas during rainfall.
