Watch: Torrential to moderate rain swept across Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah, prompting the National Centre of Meteorology to issue a weather warning and advise residents to remain cautious amid changing conditions.
Watch: Heavy rainfall affects Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah as NCM issues weather warning.
Rainfall swept across parts of the UAE’s eastern and northern regions on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, bringing cooler temperatures and changing weather conditions, particularly in Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah. Residents in these emirates experienced varying intensities of rainfall throughout the day, ranging from light showers to heavy downpours, as atmospheric conditions became increasingly unstable.
In Fujairah, rain began falling during the daytime hours, offering brief relief from the recent dry spell while also prompting caution among motorists and residents. According to meteorological observations, temperatures in the emirate fluctuated between 17°C during the cooler periods and peaked at around 24°C, reflecting a mild but noticeably cooler day compared to recent weeks.
The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) confirmed that several areas across Fujairah were affected by rainfall of differing intensities. Locations such as Al Bithnah, Skamkam, Al Rimailah, and Al Sodah recorded light to moderate showers. While these rains were not severe, they were consistent enough to influence road conditions and visibility, especially during peak traffic hours.
Meanwhile, Ras Al Khaimah witnessed more intense weather in certain pockets. The Al Huwailat area experienced heavy rainfall, with clouds releasing sustained showers that significantly reduced visibility at times. Weather models indicated that the northern emirate would also see a notable drop in temperatures, with forecasts predicting lows of around 13°C by Wednesday evening. This marked one of the cooler nights of the season so far, particularly for inland and elevated areas.
Meteorologists explained that the rain was associated with convective cloud activity, a weather phenomenon often linked to unstable atmospheric conditions that can lead to sudden rainfall, gusty winds, and localized temperature fluctuations. As these clouds developed and intensified, authorities moved swiftly to issue warnings to ensure public safety.
In response to the evolving weather situation, the National Centre of Meteorology issued an orange alert for Fujairah on Wednesday. The alert, which remained in effect until 7pm, warned of active convective cloud formation that could result in rainfall, sudden wind shifts, and reduced visibility. Residents were advised to remain vigilant, particularly when driving or engaging in outdoor activities.
The orange alert signified a heightened level of weather risk, urging people to follow official guidance and stay updated through official channels. While no major disruptions were reported, authorities emphasized the importance of caution during such conditions, especially in mountainous and low-lying areas where water accumulation can occur rapidly.
Looking ahead, the NCM indicated that temperatures across the UAE are expected to decline slightly over the coming days, though not dramatically. Daytime highs are forecast to remain relatively stable, with only a marginal decrease anticipated. However, despite the modest changes in recorded temperatures, residents may perceive the weather as significantly colder.
This sensation of increased cold, meteorologists explained, is largely due to the presence of fresh to strong winds expected to sweep across various parts of the country. Wind chill can make temperatures feel lower than actual readings, particularly during early morning and nighttime hours.
In some regions, especially desert and inland areas, near-freezing temperatures have already been recorded during the early hours of the day. While such conditions are not widespread, they highlight the seasonal transition toward cooler winter weather. Coastal areas, by contrast, are expected to remain milder, though breezy conditions may still contribute to a cooler feel.
The NCM reassured residents that no extreme cold spells are currently forecast, and overall weather patterns suggest stability rather than sharp fluctuations. Nonetheless, people are encouraged to dress appropriately, stay informed of daily forecasts, and take necessary precautions when traveling, particularly in areas prone to fog, rain, or sudden weather changes.
Authorities also reminded residents to avoid unnecessary travel during periods of heavy rain and to steer clear of wadis and flood-prone zones, as water levels can rise quickly following rainfall, even if precipitation appears moderate.
As winter weather continues to influence the region, meteorologists will closely monitor atmospheric developments and issue updates as needed. Residents are advised to rely on official weather alerts and reports to stay informed and prepared in the days ahead.
