The National Centre of Meteorology forecast light to heavy rain across several areas of the UAE from Saturday afternoon, with the weather system expected to continue into Sunday as per the agency’s latest update. The bulletin highlighted varying intensities of precipitation, accompanied by possible hail in some locations and reduced visibility in others due to associated weather phenomena. This comes amid typical summer conditions in the region where occasional convective activity can lead to such developments, building on patterns observed in previous years according to NCM historical records.
Forecast details from the NCM indicate that rain may affect the eastern and northern parts of the country most significantly, with probabilities ranging from medium to high in affected zones. Winds are anticipated to be moderate to fresh at times, potentially stirring up dust and sand that could lower visibility to less than 1,000 metres in certain inland areas. The authority advised residents to stay informed through official channels, noting that such forecasts help in preparing for disruptions to daily activities and transport.
In recent years, similar rainfall events have prompted the NCM to issue alerts that assist emergency services in managing road safety and flood risks, data from the UAE’s Federal National Guard shows. The current prediction aligns with broader climate trends in the Arabian Peninsula where increasing humidity contributes to thunderstorm formation during transitional periods. Authorities recommend avoiding low-lying areas and following updates as the situation evolves over the weekend.
The NCM, which operates under the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, regularly provides such outlooks to support sectors including aviation, agriculture and tourism that are sensitive to weather variations. Past data compiled by the centre reveals that August and September often see sporadic rain events averaging between 5 and 15 millimetres in affected emirates. This forecast serves as an early notification for residents in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah where impacts could be more pronounced.
Public safety measures tied to these predictions include heightened readiness by civil defence teams, which have handled increased call volumes during previous wet weather episodes according to ministry statistics. The agency stressed the importance of heeding warnings to prevent incidents related to slippery roads or reduced visibility. As the forecast window approaches, further updates are expected to refine the expected rainfall amounts and durations.
Broader regional weather patterns monitored by international meteorological bodies indicate that the UAE’s forecast fits within a wider area of instability affecting parts of the Gulf, with similar conditions reported in neighbouring Oman by local authorities. The NCM continues to utilise advanced satellite and radar systems to enhance prediction accuracy, contributing to the UAE’s reputation for robust environmental monitoring. Residents are encouraged to check the centre’s app and social media for real-time developments as Saturday progresses.
