Abu Dhabi, UAE – The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has issued a weather warning for the UAE, predicting thunderstorms and heavy rain for the week ahead.
Stormy Weather Ahead
According to the NCM, stormy weather is expected to hit parts of the country from Wednesday night until late on Thursday. The forecast indicates moderate to heavy rain in scattered areas, accompanied by lightning and thunder at times, with the possibility of some hail. The western regions of the UAE will be affected first, with the stormy weather extending to most areas of the country on Thursday.
Wind Speeds and Rainfall
Wind speeds are expected to reach up to 65kph on Thursday, while rainfall is predicted to be heavy in some areas. The NCM has warned of flash flooding and reduced visibility due to heavy rain and strong winds.
City-Specific Forecasts
- Abu Dhabi: Thunder and lightning, along with heavy rain, are expected from around 7am on Thursday, May 2.
- Dubai: Thunder and lightning are expected to arrive later on Thursday, from around 10am to 4pm.
Previous Rainfall
Some areas of the UAE, including Dubai and Fujairah, experienced rain on Sunday, with a yellow weather alert issued until 8pm. Heavy rain was reported in parts of Dubai, including Saih Al Salam, and light rain was reported in Al Ain.
Precautions
Residents are advised to take necessary precautions and stay updated on the latest weather developments through official sources. With the possibility of heavy rain and strong winds, it is essential to be prepared for wet conditions and potential disruptions to outdoor activities.
Previous Weather Incident: UAE’s Heaviest Rainfall
The UAE experienced its heaviest rainfall on record on April 16, 2024. The “Khatm Al Shakla” area of Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, received a record-breaking 254.8 millimeters of rain, which is 1.5 years’ worth of rain in just 24 hours. The heavy rainfall caused major cities, including Abu Dhabi and Dubai, to experience power and water outages, transportation disruptions due to flooding, and many businesses transitioned to remote work. The flooding caused flights to be canceled and diverted at Dubai International Airport, and some neighborhoods experienced floodwaters that rose to as much as 1 meter (3 feet). The UAE President, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, ordered a review of the country’s infrastructure and directed authorities to provide essential support to those affected and facilitate the evacuation of families residing in flooded areas.
Precautions
