UAE weather today: Dust storms, winds up to 40 km/h disrupt visibility
Rough seas forecast in Gulf, Oman Sea by nightfall
DUBAI: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is experiencing a sharp shift in weather today, with dust storms, cooler conditions, and strong winds making their presence felt across several regions.
According to the National Center of Meteorology (NCM), northwesterly winds are stirring up blowing and suspended dust and sand, significantly reducing horizontal visibility to below 3,000 metres in some internal and coastal areas from 10:00 to 20:00.
Early Tuesday morning, the lowest temperature recorded was 18°C in Raknah, Al Ain. This comes after a scorching high of 47.2°C was logged on Monday in Bada Dafas, Al Dhafra.
Today’s expected highs range between 39°C and 43°C in inland regions, while coastal and island areas will see milder temperatures of 34°C to 38°C. In the mountains, highs are forecasted between 32°C and 37°C.
Wind gusts rise
Wind speeds will vary from light to moderate, occasionally intensifying to gusts of up to 40 km/h. These strong northwesterly gusts are mainly affecting the western areas and contributing to reduced visibility, posing hazards for motorists and outdoor workers. Authorities are urging residents to stay cautious, particularly in dust-affected zones where air quality may also deteriorate.
#Urgent | #Warning#AbuDhabiPolice urges drivers to be cautious due to low visibility during high winds and dust .. And for your saftey and for the safety of others on the road, please do not be distracted by taking any videos or using your phone pic.twitter.com/KZiLeDOVZF
— شرطة أبوظبي (@ADPoliceHQ) May 6, 2025
The Arabian Gulf is expected to shift from moderate to very rough by the afternoon, making marine activities risky. Similarly, the Oman Sea will likely turn rough by night, prompting further alerts for seafarers and beachgoers.
Weather beyond the UAE
Beyond the UAE, powerful dust storms have also battered Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan. In Iraq, Al-Sulaymaniyah hospitals treated dozens for respiratory issues as a dense dust storm swept in from the west. In Erbil and Kirkuk, the sky turned orange while emergency rooms reported an influx of patients.
Kuwait recorded wind speeds exceeding 100 km/h, forcing the suspension of port and airport operations.
In Saudi Arabia, a “wall of dust” rolled through Al Qassim province, drawing red alerts across Riyadh and the Eastern Province.
Meanwhile, in Jordan, flash floods and thunderstorms inundated parts of Petra, resulting in the tragic deaths of two tourists and prompting mass evacuations.