UAE weather alert: Dust storms and 47°C heat, chance of rainfall, and minor earthquake hits Oman

NCM issues dust warning in UAE, while a 2.2-magnitude earthquake strikes Madha, Oman

Last updated: August 21, 2025 | 06:43

Manuel Almario, Senior News Editor

2 MIN READ

UAE weather: Expect strong winds, dust storm across the UAE today.

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Dubai: The UAE is experiencing sweltering conditions today, with temperatures soaring and hazy skies prevailing. According to AccuWeather, Dubai will see hazy sunshine and very warm temperatures, peaking at 42°C, while overnight lows will drop to 32°C under clear to partly cloudy skies.

In Abu Dhabi, residents can expect mainly cloudy and very warm weather, with a high of 42°C and lower humidity levels. Tonight will bring clear to partly cloudy conditions, with temperatures falling only slightly to 33°C.

Also Read: 2.2 magnitude earthquake hits Madha in Oman, no effect felt in UAE

Dust alert issued by NCM

The National Center of Meteorology (NCM) has issued a dust alert for much of the UAE, warning of fresh southeasterly winds reaching speeds of up to 40 km/h, which are expected to cause blowing dust and sand. Visibility may fall below 1,500 meters at times, particularly over internal and coastal areas, from 1:40pm until 7pm today.

The public is strongly advised to follow safety measures:

Avoid direct exposure to dust
Keep doors and windows closed
Drive carefully and adhere to safety guidelines
Monitor official weather reports from the NCM
Refrain from sharing unverified weather information

Forecast: Chance of rain with cloud formation

The NCM also predicts partly to occasionally cloudy skies, with possible convective cloud formation in eastern and southern regions, potentially leading to rainfall.

Temperature ranges across the UAE today:

Internal regions: 43°C to 47°C
Coastal areas and islands: 40°C to 45°C
Mountainous regions: 33°C to 36°C

Winds will be light to moderate, occasionally fresh to strong, especially near cloud activity, potentially contributing to blowing dust and reduced visibility. The Arabian Gulf will see slight to moderate sea conditions, while the Oman Sea remains slight.

Minor earthquake in Oman – No impact in UAE

In a separate update, the NCM reported a minor earthquake at 5:13am today in Madha, Oman, with a magnitude of 2.2 and a depth of 5 km. The tremor was not felt by UAE residents and poses no impact on the country.

Also Read: UAE: 5 rules to follow when driving in dusty conditions, sandstorm

Manuel AlmarioSenior News Editor

Manuel has been with Gulf News for 24 years, currently serving as a Senior News Editor and a vital member of the team. From managing social media platforms and crafting viral content to shooting and editing videos on various topics such as weather, gold prices, and traffic updates, Manuel ensures news is not just timely but engaging. He also moderates reader comments and keeps the digital space respectful and impactful. Formerly the Community Editor for the Readers section, Manuel helped residents resolve issues with banks, telecom providers, utilities, and government agencies—giving people a voice and driving accountability. “I’m proud that, with the cooperation of companies, I was able to help people get the answers they needed,” he says. Beyond the newsroom, Manuel is driven by a passion for human interest stories—amplifying voices that often go unheard. “From rags-to-riches journeys to the quiet resilience of people with special needs, I believe these stories restore hope in humanity,” he added. “In every story I tell,” Manuel says, “my goal is simple: to inspire hearts, inform minds, and make a real difference in people’s lives. Whether it’s a viral video, a quiet act of resilience, or a voice that needs to be heard, I believe every story has the power to connect us—and sometimes, even change us.” Manuel’s impact goes far beyond the newsroom—he’s been honored as one of the 300 most influential Filipinos in the Gulf Legacy Edition 2020 by Illustrado. His dedication to telling powerful stories, along with his influence in community, culture, and human interest, has earned him a well-deserved place on this prestigious list.