Dubai has seen recent rainfall across various regions, with predictions from the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) indicating continuing wet weather. Those heading out today are advised to pack their umbrellas, as rain is expected to hit parts of Dubai, Sharjah, and Fujairah. While Ras Al Khaimah experienced moderate showers yesterday, it will remain dry today. Drivers are urged to exercise caution due to potentially slippery roads during the rainfall.
The NCM reports partly cloudy to cloudy weather conditions, intermittently affected by dusty conditions, particularly during certain times. Maximum temperatures are projected to range between 23 to 27°C for internal regions, with coastal areas and islands expected to see highs of 22 to 26°C. Those venturing to the mountains can anticipate cooler temperatures, hovering around 12 to 17°C. Light to moderate winds are expected, freshening over the sea with speeds ranging from 10 to 20 km/h and reaching up to 35km/h. The Arabian Gulf waters are forecasted to turn rough to moderate, whereas the Oman Sea remains relatively calm.
On Sunday evening, light to moderate rainfall affected parts of Ras Al Khaimah and Dubai, prompting the Met Office to issue yellow and amber alerts over some eastern areas of the UAE. Reports confirmed light rainfall occurred across Deira, Bur Dubai, and Al Karama, with similar conditions noted over Al Digdaga and Al Dhait. These showers brought about cooler temperatures, with current readings around 22°C, dropping to 18°C overnight for coastal areas and possibly as low as 14°C for the internal regions. Residents are encouraged to wear light jackets if they plan to be outdoors, as humidity levels hover between 65% to 85%, particularly high near coastal and island regions.
Winds, coming from the northwesterly direction, are mild to moderate at speeds between 10 to 25 km/h, potentially gusting up to 40 km/h, especially at exposed locations. Rough to moderate sea conditions are reported for the Arabian Gulf, with similar observations for the Oman Sea.
Looking forward to Monday, December 23, the UAE is expected to experience fair to partly cloudy conditions. Nonetheless, there may be some cloud coverage over the northern and coastal regions, leading to occasional light rainfall. Humidity levels are set to rise, particularly during morning hours within internal areas. Expected temperature highs will adjust to around 27°C internally and approximately 26°C along the coast, with nighttime lows settling around 22°C for coastal and island locales. Winds will continue to be light to moderate, blowing at 10 to 25 km/h and potentially reaching gusts of up to 40 km/h over the sea. Sea conditions will remain rough to moderate within the Arabian Gulf, whereas the Oman Sea will experience slight to moderate conditions.
Over this duration, some residents have happily noted the rainfall, enhancing the often dry weather typical to the region. Heavy rainfall was recorded on Saturday across northern Ras Al Khaimah, transforming sites like Wadi Shaam—a place ordinarily devoid of water—into vibrant streams flowing with rainwater. This provided cherished relief from the heat, especially for those residing near Jebel Jais, the UAE’s highest peak, who experienced light but refreshing showers. The National Centre of Meteorology indicated this system is anticipated to influence weather conditions across the UAE over the next 36 hours.
The excitement of rainfall led to social media buzz, with videos showcasing stormy weather and affected roads, particularly around Ras Al Khaimah, where puddles quickly formed and visibility dropped. The NCM issued urgent advisories cautioning against marine activities because of the rough sea conditions. Alerts were sent out for fresh winds, estimated to reach up to 40 km/h, indicating potential hazards for swimming or other maritime excursions. Residents are reminded to stay updated with the latest weather reports from the NCM and to avoid sharing unverified information.