The United Arab Emirates is bracing for severe weather conditions, with the national meteorological authority issuing a high-level alert. The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has declared an orange alert across the country, forecasting heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and hail in several regions. The unstable weather pattern is expected to persist, prompting urgent safety advisories for residents.
Details of the Severe Weather Forecast
According to the NCM, Friday, December 19, 2025, will see significant weather disturbances. Different parts of the UAE are likely to experience intense rainfall, accompanied by lightning, thunder, and hail. A key concern is the strong winds expected to accompany the storms, which will likely cause blowing dust and sand. This will significantly reduce horizontal visibility, creating hazardous conditions for travel and outdoor activities.
The Abu Dhabi Media Office has actively called on all residents to exercise extreme caution. Officials have emphasised that safeguarding public safety is the highest priority and urged people to stay updated with official announcements and adhere strictly to all safety guidelines during this period of unstable weather.
Impact on Travel and Emergency Preparedness
The severe weather forecast has already begun to disrupt travel plans, particularly air travel. Major airlines have issued advisories for passengers flying out of Dubai. Flydubai has asked travellers to plan for extra time on their journey to the airport, citing the unstable conditions and their likely impact on road traffic across the city.
In a more stringent advisory, Emirates has recommended that customers departing from Dubai International Airport arrive a full 4 hours before their flight departure time to accommodate potential delays and longer processing times caused by the weather.
On the ground, authorities are on high alert. The Dubai Municipality has activated its comprehensive emergency response system. This system is operational 24/7 and is supported by specialised teams, advanced logistical equipment, and modern machinery to respond swiftly to any incidents arising from the heavy rains and storms.
Public Advisory and Safety Conclusions
The consistent message from all UAE authorities is one of preparedness and caution. Residents are advised to:
- Avoid unnecessary travel, especially to areas prone to flooding.
- Stay away from valleys and low-lying regions during rainfall.
- Follow updates only from official sources like the NCM and media offices.
- Heed all instructions from emergency services and traffic police.
With the orange alert in effect, the situation remains fluid. The combination of heavy rains, reduced visibility, and potential hail presents a multi-faceted challenge. The proactive measures by airlines and municipal bodies highlight the seriousness of the forecast. The priority for residents across the emirates, from Abu Dhabi to Dubai, is to remain vigilant and prioritise safety until the unstable weather system passes.
