What's causing Al Ain's rain and thunderstorms amidst scorching UAE heat?

Dubai: The weather in the UAE often presents a tale of two extremes, especially during the summer. While coastal and internal regions swelter under high heat and oppressive humidity, a different meteorological story unfolds in Al Ain and its surrounding areas. This localised phenomenon of rain and cloud formation is a result of specific atmospheric conditions explained by experts from the National Center of Meteorology (NCM).

According to a senior meteorologist at the NCM, the primary driver for this weather disparity is the influence of the Indian monsoon. This low-pressure system channels a mass of hot, humid air from the southeast, specifically from the Arabian and Oman Seas, over the UAE. This easterly flow is the key factor in raising humidity levels, particularly in the eastern regions of the country, which includes Al Ain. The monsoon typically lasts from June to September in India.

In addition to the Indian monsoon low, the region is also affected by 'thermal lows' or 'heat lows.' These are a direct consequence of intense daytime heating, which is common in arid areas like the UAE. The extreme heat causes the air to rise, creating a low-pressure zone that can lead to the formation of isolated rain and thunderstorms. This is a phenomenon unique to specific desert environments.

Another significant contributing factor is the UAE's location within the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ). This is a belt near the equator where warm, moist air converges and rises, leading to condensation and the formation of clouds and rainstorms. When combined with the humid air mass moving in from Oman, these conditions become highly conducive to cloud formation, resulting in the heavy rainfall witnessed in parts of Al Ain, such as Um Ghafa, Sa'a, and Kattam.

While Al Ain experiences rain, much of the rest of the country is grappling with high humidity. This is primarily due to north-westerly winds that transport moisture from the Arabian Gulf inland. These winds are most active during the noon hours and can persist until late at night, sometimes leading to the development of fog and mist in the early morning. The NCM confirmed that humidity levels in coastal areas have been exceptionally high, ranging from 90 to 95 per cent this week.

The NCM's forecast for the coming days indicates that while the weather parameters have slightly changed, with less moisture in the atmosphere, there is still a chance of cloud formation. This suggests a weaker chance of rain for today and tomorrow (Wednesday and Thursday), but a higher likelihood of rainfall is anticipated over the upcoming weekend.

According to data from AccuWeather, temperatures across the UAE today are reflecting the typical summer heat. In Dubai, the temperature is approximately 41°C, but the "RealFeel" temperature is a much hotter 49°C, highlighting the impact of high humidity. In the capital, Abu Dhabi, the temperature is around 40°C, with a 'RealFeel' of 48°C. Meanwhile, in Al Ain, the temperature is currently 43°C. The forecast from the NCM suggests that temperature highs will continue to be between 45°C and 49°C in inland areas, and 42°C to 45°C in coastal regions.