UAE Residents Witness Rare Hailstorm as Weather Turns Unpredictable
While the United Arab Emirates is typically associated with golden sunshine and arid landscapes, residents experienced a dramatic shift this Monday morning. A powerful low-pressure system swept across the region, bringing with it a rare meteorological phenomenon: hail. This unexpected weather event has captured widespread attention, transforming familiar desert vistas into cool, misty retreats and prompting authorities to issue multiple safety advisories.
Social Media Flooded with Hailstorm Footage from Northern Emirates
As dawn broke, social media platforms were inundated with videos and images from areas like Al Rams and northern Ras Al Khaimah, showcasing streets blanketed with small, icy hailstones. This frosty spectacle extended beyond the northern regions, with overnight rainfall thoroughly soaking parts of Fujairah and Al Ain. For many residents, this unusual weather provides a welcome respite from the typical heat, but for morning commuters, it served as a clear signal to exercise caution, reduce speed, and remain vigilant on the roads.
National Center of Meteorology Explains the Weather Unsettledness
According to the National Center of Meteorology (NCM), the current atmospheric instability stems from an extension of a surface low-pressure system originating from the Red Sea, combined with an upper-air low. In simpler terms, this configuration involves cold air masses from the north interacting with moisture, creating ideal conditions for precipitation, including rain and hail. The temperature drop has been noticeable across various regions, with coastal and island areas experiencing pleasant highs between 20°C and 24°C, while internal regions remain slightly warmer but still cool, ranging from 22°C to 26°C.
Mountainous areas like Jebel Jais require extra preparation, with temperatures hovering between a crisp 12°C and 18°C. Recent records indicate that lows in these elevated zones have previously approached near-freezing points, emphasizing the need for appropriate clothing and precautions.
Authorities Issue Crucial Advisories for Roads and Marine Activities
As the unsettled weather persists, authorities are urgently advising motorists and residents to adopt necessary safety measures. The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has specifically recommended that drivers slow down, ensure their vehicle's headlights and wipers are fully functional, and allocate additional travel time during periods of rain and wind.
Wind gusts are predicted to intensify intermittently, potentially causing blowing dust that could suddenly reduce visibility, particularly on highways and open stretches. Furthermore, sea conditions in the Arabian Gulf and Oman Sea are forecast to be moderate to rough, which may disrupt small boat operations and beach-related activities. These warnings align with a broader trend of weather systems impacting daily life, travel, and coastal engagements, with officials stressing the importance of caution near flood-prone or exposed areas.
Weather Forecast: Rain to Subside, Fog to Emerge
For those wondering whether to keep umbrellas handy, the answer is affirmative, but only for a limited duration. The NCM anticipates that while rainfall may continue in northern and eastern regions throughout the day, the overall system will gradually weaken. However, a new challenge looms for early-morning commuters: fog. As humidity levels rise and winds calm, thick mist is expected to envelop internal and coastal areas on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings.
This development could significantly impair visibility, necessitating extra planning for individuals with early flights or lengthy drives. Residents are encouraged to stay updated with the latest meteorological reports and adjust their schedules accordingly to ensure safety and minimize disruptions.
