UAE weather turns unstable: Expect scattered rain, lightning, hail, and gusty winds today

Sharjah Police have temporarily closed the Desert Police Park in Al Bataah on December 18–19 due to heavy rain, thunderstorms, and unstable weather caused by the low-pressure system “Al Bashayer.” The move aims to protect visitors and staff from strong winds, flooding, and lightning. Authorities have urged the public to exercise caution, avoid flood-prone areas, and stay away from open desert locations. The park, which recently opened its sixth season, will reopen once conditions stabilize.

All government departments and authorities in Abu Dhabi have announced heightened readiness and the mobilisation of emergency teams to respond to the expected weather conditions. The Abu Dhabi City Municipality said it has raised its preparedness level, confirming the readiness of field and technical teams, continuous monitoring of official updates, and full implementation of approved emergency management plans to ensure public safety and service continuity.

Because of adverse weather conditions forecast across the UAE, including heavy rainfall and the possibility of thunderstorms, flight operations may face intermittent disruptions at various times throughout the day. In an update shared on X, IndiGo Airlines said it is closely monitoring the evolving situation and advised passengers to stay informed, as weather-related impacts could affect schedules and airport operations.

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has urged private sector companies across the UAE to exercise caution and implement all necessary safety measures at work on Thursday and Friday, 18–19 December, in light of expected adverse weather conditions. The Ministry emphasised the importance of protecting the health and safety of workers, particularly those at outdoor worksites where continuing operations may be challenging, and stressed the need to adhere strictly to occupational health and safety requirements both during work and while commuting to and from work sites.

Ras Al Khaimah is witnessing intense rainfall, resulting in flooding on several roads across the emirate. Local authorities have urged residents, motorists, and commuters to exercise caution and avoid low-lying areas prone to water accumulation. Public is advised to stay updated with weather warnings and traffic advisories as the heavy rainfall continues to affect RAK.

The RTA has issued an update stating that, due to current weather conditions and for public safety, Hatta Festival will be temporarily closed on Thursday and Friday.

Dubai Police have issued a warning over the impact of adverse weather conditions, urging residents and visitors to take precautions. Authorities advised the public to avoid beaches, refrain from sailing, and stay away from valleys or areas prone to flash floods. Drivers have been urged to exercise caution on the roads and follow official guidance to ensure safety during the weather event.

Instagram account storm_ae shared footage capturing the intense rainfall in Ras Al Khaimah, highlighting the region’s shifting weather conditions. Areas including Suhailah and Al Ghayl have reported significant precipitation.

The lowest temperature recorded in the country this morning was 9.2°C on Jais Mountain in Ras Al Khaimah at 3:45 am, as temperatures continue to drop across the UAE. According to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), chilly winds are expected to persist, bringing cooler conditions to several regions. Residents are advised to stay warm and take necessary precautions as the cold spell continues.

In Ras Al Khaimah, a powerful hailstorm struck the emirate on Thursday, accompanied by strong winds and intense thunderstorm activity, as severe convective cells intensified rapidly upon reaching the coastline.

Hail was reported in Ghalilah and Khor Khuwair, while heavy rainfall was recorded across Khor Khuwair, accompanied by strong, sometimes damaging winds.

NCM reported that the Ras Al Khaimah storm cell intensified sharply upon coastal interaction, displaying a hook echo signature, a radar feature associated with violent thunderstorms and strong downdrafts.

Meteorologists warned against underestimating the system’s strength, cautioning the public to remain alert to dangerous downdraft winds and to avoid valleys and flood-prone areas if additional strong storm cells develop.

The Centre said Ras Al Khaimah is experiencing severely unstable weather, with convective clouds producing rainfall, hail, lightning and thunder. Winds are moderate to fresh, strengthening significantly during storm activity, causing blowing dust and sand and a sharp deterioration in visibility.

Powerful convective cloud formations were observed advancing over the waters off Sharjah on Thursday, as part of Al Bashayer low-pressure system, with heavy rainfall already reported across several parts of the emirate.

Live weather observations confirmed intense rainfall over Khor Fakkan, while Al Hamriyah also experienced heavy showers accompanied by gusty winds, as unstable weather conditions took hold across the emirate.

According to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), Sharjah is experiencing unstable weather, ranging from partly cloudy to cloudy, with convective cloud activity producing rainfall of varying intensity. Winds are moderate to fresh, strengthening at times, raising dust and sand and leading to reduced horizontal visibility.

The UAE is set for unstable weather today and over the weekend, with rainfall, gusty winds, and rough seas, the National Center of Meteorology has warned. Forecasters predict partly cloudy to cloudy skies, with scattered convective clouds bringing rain of varying intensity. Some areas may experience lightning, thunder, or hail. Winds will be moderate to fresh, occasionally strong enough to raise dust and sand, reducing visibility in several regions.

The Dubai Government Media Office issued a series of safety guidelines, urging residents and visitors to avoid valleys and areas where water may accumulate during rainfall, stay away from mountainous regions, and refrain from going to sea. Motorists were advised to drive with caution, reduce speed and remain alert to changing road conditions.

Emergency contact numbers were reiterated for public use if needed: Dubai Civil Defence (997), Ambulance services (998), Dubai Police (999), Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (991), Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (800 9090), Dubai Municipality (800 900), and Dubai Health Authority (800 60).

Abu Dhabi Police have urged motorists to adhere to safe driving practices as rainfall and unstable weather conditions are expected over the coming days, warning that hazardous road conditions could pose risks on both internal and external roads.

In a statement, the police called on drivers to avoid areas prone to flash flooding, including valleys and locations where water may accumulate, and to follow guidelines issued by relevant authorities to ensure public safety.

Motorists were advised to check weather conditions before setting out, reduce speeds during rainfall and maintain adequate safety distances between vehicles.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, took to Instagram to caution people just as the Emirates prepares for a few rainy days.

In Insta reels, he zoomed in on rain-heavy clouds that moved slowly above sand dunes. In the next story, he shared a weather map showing the movement of clouds over the next few days.

Dubai Police have urged motorists to drive with extreme caution during periods of unstable weather and rainfall, warning that such conditions pose serious risks to road safety and traffic flow.

Brigadier Juma Salem bin Suwaidan, Director of the General Department of Traffic at Dubai Police, said reduced visibility, slippery roads and water accumulation increase the likelihood of accidents. He called on drivers to adhere strictly to speed limits, maintain safe distances and remain calm and attentive behind the wheel.

He stressed the need to avoid dangerous behaviours, including using mobile phones or filming while driving, noting that such actions significantly heighten the risk of crashes during adverse weather.

Motorists were also advised to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy before setting out, particularly tyres, brakes, windscreen wipers and lighting systems. Hazard lights should only be used when stopping due to an emergency, while broken-down vehicles must be moved off the road to avoid obstructing traffic or causing further incidents.

Drivers were urged to exercise extra care on highways, bends and low-lying areas where water may accumulate, and to adopt defensive driving by anticipating sudden hazards, such as abrupt stops or vehicles emerging from side roads.

Dubai Municipality issued crucial safety guidelines on Wednesday to help residents protect themselves and their properties as weather conditions shift and the UAE is bracing for rains and strong winds.

The civic body shared preventive measures designed to help people navigate rainfall and strong winds while minimising potential risks to life and property.

"Following them ensures safety for everyone," Dubai Municipality said in a social media post.

The guidelines to follow during rainfall and strong winds are:

1. Ensure all electrical connections in your home or building are properly secured and insulated

2. Keep internal rain drains in your home or building clean and unobstructed

3. Use designated rainwater drains to dispose of accumulated rainwater safely

4. Avoid opening or using sewage drains to drain rainwater

5. Firmly secure outdoor furniture at home or in the building

6. Remove tools, equipment, and materials that could be blown away from balconies or rooftops

7. Avoid walking near trees, unstable signs, temporary fences, or construction sites

8. Stay away from areas with water accumulation and avoid walking through them

9. Report any water accumulation or fallen trees by calling 800900 or via WhatsApp