BRACE FOR HEAVY RAIN TODAY
INCREASED CLOUD COVER AND WINDS MAY CAUSE SUDDEN DROP IN VISIBILITY
The UAE is expected to receive heavy to moderate rain accompanied by thunder and lightning starting this evening until tomorrow afternoon, according to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM).
Gulf News spoke to an NCM official to find out what to expect. Meteorologist Isra Alnaqbi said that “rain clouds will develop in the western parts of the country, including Al Ruwais and surrounding regions today. By night, the clouds will increase and gradually move over Abu Dhabi, and the northern and eastern parts of the country”.
By tomorrow, cloud cover will intensify over Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and Umm Al Quwain, the meteorologist explained.
Heavy rain, with thunder and lightning is expected across all the emirates, she said, adding that some areas will also receive hail.
Why is this happening?
“Currently, the country is affected by an extension of a surface low pressure from the Red Sea accompanied by humid Southeasterly winds, with an extension of a low pressure from the Northwest, along with the formation of different types of rain clouds,” she said.
This is the reason, some parts of the UAE, including Al Ain, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah, saw heavy to moderate showers and even hail, on Monday and yesterday.
Yesterday, light to moderate rainfall was recorded in wadis (valleys) in Fujairah, and in internal parts of Sharjah. Meanwhile, moderate to heavy rain hit some parts of Al Dhafra.
The weather will peak this morning. By tomorrow evening, rainfall will decrease. On Friday and Saturday, the cloud cover over the country will decrease gradually, while some
eastern and southern parts of the country, like Al Ain and Fujairah, will continue to receive light to moderate rain.
The country is affected by an extension of a surface low pressure from the Red Sea accompanied by humid southeasterly winds along with the formation of different types of rain clouds.”
Strong winds
Expect strong winds at times. According to Alnaqbi, “moderate to strong Southeasterly to Northeasterly winds, especially in the areas where clouds form,” will kick up sand and dust, causing visibility to drop.
The NCM has warned motorists to watch out for sudden drop in visibility. Sea conditions are expected to be moderate and rough, especially when cloudy, in both the Arabian Gulf and Oman Sea.
The Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority has called on the public to exercise caution and stay away from valleys and areas that are prone to flooding.
Abu Dhabi Police has also warned motorists to exercise caution and follow speed limits displayed on the roads.
Isra Alnaqbi | NCM meteorologist