Dubai Weather Alert: Rain, Thunderstorms and Dusty Winds Could Hit the City This Week.

The UAE could experience unsettled weather throughout the week as rain clouds move from the eastern and northern regions towards inland areas. Forecast conditions include showers of varying intensity, possible thunderstorms and strong winds that may carry dust and sand, potentially reducing visibility on roads and in open locations.

The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has urged residents to remain cautious as weather conditions develop. Particular attention has been drawn to areas where blowing dust could affect visibility, as well as mountainous locations where changing conditions may pose additional risks.

Dr Ahmed Habib, a meteorologist at the NCM, told INSIDER 18 on Monday that rainfall could begin in the eastern and northern parts of the country before spreading towards inland locations, including areas between Al Ain, Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The weather system could subsequently extend towards the Al Dhafra region.

According to Habib, the forecast covers the period from Monday through the end of the week, with rainfall intensity likely to differ from one location to another.

Areas That Could Receive Rain

Several parts of the UAE may experience rainfall as moisture-laden clouds develop and move inland. The eastern and northern regions are expected to see the initial cloud formation, followed by possible showers in other areas.

In Dubai, rainfall could reach inland neighbourhoods, including locations around Mirdif. Areas along the roads connecting Dubai with Al Ain, as well as the route between Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, may also experience showers.

Other locations that could receive rainfall include Sweihan and parts of Al Dhafra, particularly Madinat Zayed and Zayed City.

However, the distribution of rainfall may remain uneven, meaning some areas could receive light showers while others experience more intense precipitation. Residents should follow official forecasts for updates on conditions in their respective locations.

What Is Causing the Unsettled Weather?

Habib explained that the developing weather conditions are linked to moisture entering the region through two low-pressure systems.

One system is extending from the Arabian Sea, while another low-pressure extension is moving in from the southwest. Together, these systems are contributing to increased atmospheric moisture over the UAE.

The additional moisture, combined with rising air currents, is creating favourable conditions for convective cloud formation. These clouds are expected to develop initially over the eastern parts of the country before moving towards inland areas.

Convective clouds can produce sudden changes in weather, including brief periods of heavier rainfall, thunder and gusty winds. As a result, conditions may vary considerably over relatively short distances.

The NCM has indicated that rainfall is expected to range from light to moderate, although heavier showers are possible in some locations. Thunderstorms may accompany the more developed clouds.

Dust, Sand and Reduced Visibility Possible

Rain will not be the only weather-related concern during the coming days. Strong downward air currents, known as downdrafts, can develop beneath convective clouds and generate sudden gusts of wind.

These winds may lift loose dust and sand from the ground, particularly in exposed and open areas. The resulting reduction in visibility could create challenging conditions for motorists and other road users.

The effects may be more noticeable in areas with loose sand, open desert terrain and roads connecting different parts of the country.

The NCM has advised residents to exercise caution when visibility deteriorates and to avoid potentially hazardous locations, especially around mountainous terrain.

Motorists should remain alert to changing road conditions and follow official weather and traffic advisories. Residents planning outdoor activities should also monitor forecasts before travelling, particularly if their plans involve open areas or mountain routes.

Temperatures Expected to Decline Gradually

Although rain and thunderstorms may affect some areas, temperatures are not expected to undergo a major immediate change, according to Habib.

He explained that the existing air mass is likely to remain over the UAE, although increased cloud cover could cause local variations in temperature.

At the same time, the country has been experiencing a gradual reduction in temperatures as autumn progresses. Between late September and the first week of October, temperatures fell by approximately four to five degrees Celsius.

Maximum daytime temperatures have been easing, while overnight and early-morning conditions have also become cooler.

Some weather stations in inland areas and mountainous locations have already recorded temperatures of 20°C or below, indicating the seasonal shift towards cooler weather.

Habib said temperatures are expected to continue decreasing gradually over the coming period. However, readings this year have remained slightly above the usual seasonal average, although the difference has been relatively small.

Autumn Brings Rapid Changes in Weather

The current forecast reflects the changing weather patterns commonly experienced in the UAE during autumn, a transitional season when atmospheric conditions can shift between stable and unstable periods.

According to Habib, daytime conditions may become less stable, creating opportunities for cloud development and rainfall. During the night, humidity levels can rise, particularly in coastal areas.

Higher humidity may also contribute to the formation of fog in isolated locations, potentially creating additional visibility concerns during the early morning.

These changes are considered typical of the autumn season, when variations in temperature, moisture and atmospheric conditions can lead to different weather patterns across the country.

Residents may therefore experience different conditions depending on their location, with some areas remaining relatively calm while others receive rain, stronger winds or increased cloud cover.

NCM Continues to Monitor Conditions

The National Centre of Meteorology continues to track the developing weather system using weather radar, satellite imagery and information collected from monitoring stations across the UAE.

These tools help meteorologists observe cloud movements, assess rainfall patterns and monitor changes that could affect different regions.

Habib stressed the importance of staying informed through official weather updates as conditions evolve during the week.

Residents travelling through exposed areas or near mountains should take particular care, especially when rain, strong winds or blowing dust affect visibility.

With the possibility of showers and thunderstorms across several parts of the UAE, monitoring official forecasts and following safety advice will remain important throughout the coming days.