Dubai and the wider United Arab Emirates experienced light to moderate rains on January 3, causing caution among drivers and residents. According to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), areas such as Umm Suqeim, Jumeirah, Al Safa, and Al Jaddaf witnessed rainfall during the early morning hours, setting the stage for unusual weather conditions throughout the day.
Motorists received timely warnings from Dubai Police through their social media channels, advising them to drive with extra caution. The police shared practical driving tips to navigate the wet roads safely. Recommendations included turning on low beam headlights, checking brakes after driving through water, avoiding valleys and flooded areas, and ensuring windshield wipers are functional.
Further advice emphasized the importance of reducing speed and staying away from the road's edges, as rain can create dangerous conditions. Drivers were urged to stay alert, anticipate the mistakes of others on the road, and contact Dubai Police using the non-emergency number 901 or 999 for emergencies.
While Dubai faced drizzles, the UAE's mountainous regions recorded chilling temperatures. Jebel Jais, located in Ras Al Khaimah, reported the coldest temperature of just 2.2 degrees Celsius at approximately 6:45 am. According to the NCM, this temperature marked one of the coldest mornings of the season, with exclusive footage of frost formation and ice crystals shared on X, showcasing the unusual atmospheric conditions.
The NCM indicated partly cloudy to cloudy conditions would persist throughout Friday, with predictions of occasional rain continuing to affect northern, eastern, and coastal locations of the UAE. Given the changing weather, residents were reminded to check the official weather updates and stay informed about possible hazardous conditions.
Storm Centre also shared alarming footage of the rainfall affecting Dubai roadways, which understandably depicted vehicles maneuvering carefully through the waterlogged streets. The nature of rainy weather prompted additional alerts for residents who must confront these hazardous driving conditions.
Thanks to the rain, the Arabian Gulf encountered rough to moderate seas, which raised additional safety concerns for navigators and fishermen. Meanwhile, the Oman Sea was expected to experience relatively moderate to slight waves. NCM's weather predictions provide insight for those planning outdoor activities and beach outings.
Overnight and early morning forecasts suggest certain inland regions might encounter high humidity levels, which could last until Saturday. Weather patterns not only impact the immediate environment but also significantly influence daily life and activities for residents across the emirates.
Whether you're driving through foggy conditions or steering clear of flooded areas, safety plays a central role as UAE residents navigate through this unseasonable weather. The comprehensive advisories shared by authorities underline the need for vigilance.
No doubt, weather patterns like these serve as reminders of the unpredictable nature of climate phenomena, even in regions typically characterized by warm, sunny conditions.
The recent weather developments may leave many pondering—could these occurrences hint at broader climate changes affecting the region? For now, UAE residents are advised to remain cautious and alert to changes as forecasts continue to evolve throughout the coming days.