UAE braces for unstable weather as NCM forecasts rain until March 5
Winds may whip up dust with noticeable temperature drop
DUBAI – The National Centre of Meteorology has forecast unstable weather conditions across the UAE from Tuesday night through March 5, with increasing cloud cover and scattered rainfall expected in several regions.
The authority indicated that the shift in conditions will begin gradually before intensifying midweek.
Residents can also expect changing winds and a drop in temperatures as the system develops.
#الحالة_الجوية من ليل الثلاثاء 3 إلى الخميس 5 مارس 2026#Weather_Situation from night of Tuesday, March 3 to Thursday, March 5, 2026 pic.twitter.com/L690dpNw1W
— المركز الوطني للأرصاد (@ncmuae) March 2, 2026
Early clouds
According to the NCM, cloud formation will begin on Tuesday night over the islands and western parts of the country, bringing a chance of light rain. The initial phase of the weather system is expected to be relatively mild but will signal the start of a broader period of unsettled conditions.
The authority noted that conditions will continue to evolve as the week progresses, with cloud cover steadily increasing across wider areas.
Midweek rain
The low-pressure system is forecast to deepen on Wednesday, pushing cloud bands towards Abu Dhabi and inland areas before extending to the northern and eastern regions. Rainfall is expected across various parts of the country, mostly light to moderate in intensity.
However, the NCM warned that some northern and eastern areas could experience heavier downpours at times. The unstable pattern is expected to persist through Thursday, with a gradual decrease in cloud cover beginning Thursday night.
Wind shift
Winds are expected to start southeasterly before shifting northwesterly, ranging from moderate to fresh speeds at times. These conditions may lead to blowing dust in exposed areas and will be accompanied by a noticeable fall in temperatures.
At sea, conditions in the Arabian Gulf are forecast to become gradually rough from Tuesday night until Thursday. In the Oman Sea, wave activity will be slight to moderate, turning rough at times during the same period.