Dubai: Rain and thundershowers affected scattered parts of UAE from Monday night until early morning Tuesday as brief downpours and isolated waterlogging are expected to come this week.
Abu Dhabi city had heavy thundery rain at 6am Tuesday while heavy rain was recorded over Al Dhafra at around 5.40am and Baynunah and Al Mafra at around 3am, according to the UAE Met Office.
Khalifa City and Tareef witnessed moderate rain at around 4.50am. Dubai, including the Al Maktoum International Airport, recorded moderate showers as well.
UAE residents welcome wet weather
Overcast skies continue to envelope the UAE due to a low pressure at the surface of the earth extended from the southeast of the Arabian Peninsula associated with extension of low pressure in upper air, the National Centre of Meteorology and Seismology (NCMS) said on Monday.
pic.twitter.com/3oDVUPIQtu— UAE WEATHER (@NCMS_media) March 22, 2016
During the next 24 hours till 8am on Wednesday, forecasters said the UAE weather will be unstable, with overcast skies. The amount of clouds will increase over scattered areas of the country including some towering clouds, with rainfall of different intensities.
pic.twitter.com/XYACgcukQr— UAE WEATHER (@NCMS_media) March 22, 2016
Moderate-to-fresh winds in general, being strong at times with clouds activity, causing blowing dust/sand over the exposed areas and poor visibility at times, with a drop in temperature.
The expected weather from 08:00 this morning till 08:00 tomorrow, we wish you a pleasant day. pic.twitter.com/Py2VLH8twk— UAE WEATHER (@NCMS_media) March 22, 2016
Rough seas are seen in Arabian Gulf over on Tuesday and Wednesday, and moderate-to-rough with clouds activity over Oman sea.
pic.twitter.com/NV59qPKSHS— UAE WEATHER (@NCMS_media) March 21, 2016
Forecasters expect showers to be heavy at times, associated with thunder, in the night over the western parts, extending to the coastal areas and internal areas. Easterly to northeasterly winds will be moderate but freshening at times in case of rain clouds.
Based on the satellite image on NCMS’ website, rain clouds are covering mostly coastal, northern, eastern areas, and internal areas between Dubai and Al Ain.
Early morning rain on Tuesday on Mohammad Bin Zayed Road that connects Sharjah and Dubai. Video: Arshad Ali / Gulf News
Accuweather has renewed its warning against brief downpours and isolated flooding. Thunderstorms will threaten areas from Abu Dhabi to Dubai and Muscat from Tuesday through Thursday.
The thundershowers will hit the UAE and northeastern Oman on Tuesday, but will move into much of northern Oman on Wednesday and Thursday, Accuweather said.
Parts of Dubai may still have thunderstorms during the day on Wednesday but weather will clear by night.
Residents can breathe a sigh of relief, however, as the these storms are “not expected to pose as great of a flooding threat compared to previous storms between March 7 and March10, isolated flash flooding will be possible.”
Travel and commuting may be disrupted due to heavy showers that may bring 13-25 mm (0.5-1.0 inch) of rain, which can trigger waterlogging in low-lying areas and catchment basins.
Areas from Al Ain to Rustaq in Oman may have locally heavy thunderstorms. Few locations may receive as much as 50 mm (2 inches) of rain while most areas will receive 13 mm (0.50 inch) or less.
The weather is expected to clear on Thursday and dry weather will return as the transitional period is almost over and spring is here.
