UAE braces for rain, blowing dust and winds reaching 50km/h on Saturday

Dubai: Rain, strong winds and blowing dust are forecast across parts of the UAE on Saturday as unstable weather continues into the new week, with further chances of showers expected on Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

The National Centre of Meteorology forecasts fair to partly cloudy conditions on Saturday, August 22, with convective clouds expected to develop over eastern, southern and western areas during the afternoon, bringing a chance of rainfall. 

Temperatures will rise gradually, reaching as high as 48°C in internal areas, while coastal and island locations could record highs of 43°C. Mountain temperatures are forecast to peak at 37°C.

Winds will generally be light to moderate but could strengthen significantly around cloud formations. They could reach 50km/h inland, 45km/h over the mountains and 40km/h along coastal areas and islands.

The stronger winds may kick up dust and sand and reduce horizontal visibility, particularly around developing clouds.

Humidity will increase overnight and into Sunday morning over some western areas. The Arabian Gulf and Oman Sea are expected to remain slight.

Will it rain on Sunday?

The chance of rain will continue on Sunday, August 23, with convective clouds expected to form over eastern areas during the afternoon and potentially produce rainfall.

Conditions will otherwise remain fair to partly cloudy. Humidity will increase overnight and into Monday morning over some coastal areas, with a possibility of mist. Winds could reach 40km/h and cause blowing dust.

What about next week?

On Monday, August 24, convective clouds could again develop over eastern areas during the afternoon, although the forecast does not specifically indicate rainfall. Winds are expected to reach 35km/h.

The chance of showers increases again on Tuesday, when convective clouds could form over eastern and southern areas and bring afternoon rainfall. Winds may reach 40km/h and cause blowing dust.

A similar pattern is expected on Wednesday, August 26, with a chance of convective clouds and rainfall over eastern and southern areas. Winds could become fresh to strong around clouds, reaching 45km/h and stirring up dust and sand.

The forecast points to several days of changeable summer weather, with afternoon cloud development concentrated mainly over eastern and southern parts of the country.