Residents across the Northern Emirates of the United Arab Emirates experienced a dramatic start to their day as powerful showers, accompanied by thunder and lightning, swept through the region. The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) confirmed intense downpours, particularly affecting areas including Khorfakkan, Masafi, and Al Manama.
Weather System Brings Downpours and Disruption
The rain provided a noticeable and welcome drop in temperatures, creating a refreshing winter atmosphere. However, it also led to significant disruption. Streets, especially in the mountainous parts of Fujairah, were transformed into fast-flowing streams as water rapidly accumulated in natural depressions. The east coast witnessed a dramatic, grey skyline, setting a moody tone for the weekend but also raising immediate safety concerns.
This was far from a gentle drizzle. The precipitation was marked by vivid flashes of lightning and the persistent rumble of thunder, underscoring the intensity of the convective cloud activity driving the storm.
National Alerts and Meteorological Causes
In response to the developing situation, the NCM has issued both yellow and red alerts across extensive sections of the Northern and Eastern UAE. These warnings urge residents to remain vigilant and prepared. The forecast indicates that the convective clouds responsible for the heavy rain are likely to move further inland, potentially bringing scattered showers to parts of Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah as the day continues.
Weather experts attribute this surge in activity to a combination of a surface low-pressure extension and an upper-air low pressure. This mix creates highly unstable atmospheric conditions, ideal for the formation of dense, rain-bearing cloud clusters. Accompanying the rain, wind speeds are expected to increase, potentially reaching up to 40 km/h. This could stir up dust and significantly reduce visibility on major highways, complicating inter-emirate travel.
Weekend Outlook and Safety Advisory
The unstable weather pattern is characteristic of the UAE's winter season and is projected to persist through the weekend and into the coming week. Residents and visitors can expect the following conditions:
- Continued cooler-than-average temperatures, most pronounced in the north and mountains.
- High humidity levels overnight and in the early mornings, increasing the likelihood of fog and mist formation.
- Variable cloud cover and the chance of scattered showers extending beyond the current core rainfall areas.
With the unpredictable weather set to continue, authorities are advising everyone to stay alert by monitoring the latest updates from the NCM. Drivers are strongly cautioned to exercise extreme care on wet roads and during periods of poor visibility, particularly in the northern and eastern regions. The public is urged to prioritize safety and plan their travel accordingly as conditions can change rapidly.
