Dubai: The weather across the UAE is taking on new dimensions this Sunday with shifting conditions, cooler temperatures, and varying forecasts issued by the National Center of Meteorology (NCM). Residents will experience partly cloudy skies across most regions, but not without some caution as the met office has issued dust alerts for the internal parts of Abu Dhabi and cautioned against rough seas offshore.
According to the NCM, today's weather forecast projects clouds developing over parts of the eastern and northern UAE, accompanied by the potential for light rainfall and some decrease in temperatures. Temperature highs across the internal regions are set to range between 25 and 29°C, with coastal areas experiencing highs of 24 to 28°C. Mountain regions will remain cooler, seeing highs of 16 to 20°C.
On top of the slightly cooler temperatures, there's expected humidity returning by night, particularly on Monday morning, impacting several internal areas. Wind conditions are anticipated to vary from moderate to fresh, particularly strong over the sea, with speeds reaching between 10 to 25 km/h, and potentially peaking at 50 km/h, which could cause blowing dust and sand across the land.
The weather bureau has especially warned about conditions involving the Arabian Gulf, which is likely to be rough to very rough, with wave heights reaching up to 9 feet from 3 am on Sunday until 10 am on Monday. Meanwhile, the Oman Sea is expected to remain relatively calm to moderate, shifting to rough at times as the night progresses.
Meanwhile, residents of Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah were greeted with light to moderate rains today, prompting yellow and amber alerts over some eastern regions of the UAE. Rainfall was reported around 2 PM in Aasmah, Ras Al Khaimah, and again around 3 PM at Al Bithnah, Fujairah. NCM's officials are reminding motorists to exercise caution by steering clear of areas experiencing flash flooding and accumulated rain.
The forecast looks to continue with cloudy conditions over the eastern parts of the UAE until Tuesday, December 17, with opportunities for additional light rain during this period. Wind speeds are set to fluctuate, particularly over the sea on Wednesday morning, moving between 10 and 25 km/h, and giving rise to gusts of up to 40 km/h. Drivers should remain extra vigilant as dust could impede visibility on affected roads.
For those sensitive to allergens, it’s advised to take necessary precautions when exposed to outdoor conditions. The NCM also predicts increased relative humidity will lead to fog and mist formation over some internal and coastal areas by night and early Monday.
Alongside current climate concerns, the UAE is actively seeking to understand broader weather patterns influenced by climate change. Recently, the nation partnered with the Vasco-based National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) to support polar and climate change studies aimed at improving weather predictions for upcoming years.
This initiative stems from the urgent need for the UAE to learn from prior weather events, such as the unprecedented heavy rainfall seen last April, which resulted in significant flooding across major cities, tragically claiming 21 lives. To stem the tide of such natural disasters, the NCM is eager to study the interactions between polar ice melting and its impact on monsoon patterns across Asia and their eventual effects on the UAE.
According to Thamban Meloth, director of NCPOR, "Initially, they want help with climate change studies using remote sensing satellite studies, microbial studies, life under extreme conditions, coastal oceanography, and weather impacts on UAE systems.”
The MoU signed between the UAE and India highlights this cooperation, paving the way for Emirati scientists to gain mentorship and research assistance from Indian experts. Meloth stated, "Unfortunately, they have no background in studies in the polar region. They want to understand climate, and forecast weather patterns.”
The overarching aim for the UAE extends even to possible polar exploration, expressing interest to become part of the Antarctic Treaty and engage scientifically within both the Antarctic and Arctic regions as part of their future endeavors.
“The MoU will facilitate cooperation between the two sides in the fields of polar and ocean regions through partnerships,” noted Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the ministry of external affairs.
With weather alerts remaining active and researchers delving deep to combat unpredictable climate impacts, the UAE is positioning itself to tackle modern challenges head-on, ensuring the safety of its residents and adapting to the earth's ever-shifting weather patterns.