UAE weather alert: Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah see downpours as NCM forecasts light rain tomorrow
Alerts issued for convective cloud formation
DUBAI – Rainfall swept across parts of the northern UAE on Wednesday, with moderate to heavy showers reported in Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah as unstable weather conditions developed during the afternoon.
The National Centre of Meteorology confirmed rainfall activity across multiple locations, while issuing weather alerts and cautioning residents about changing conditions. Although temperatures dipped slightly, the authority said the overall decline would remain marginal over the coming days.
In Fujairah, rain was recorded on Wednesday, with temperatures ranging between 17°C and 24°C. According to the NCM, light to moderate rainfall affected Al Bithnah, Skamkam, Al Rimailah and Al Sodah.
الامارات : الان هطول أمطار الخير على الفجيرة #مركز_العاصفة #أخبار_الإمارات
— مركز العاصفة (@Storm_centre) January 7, 2026
7_1_2026 pic.twitter.com/rDAR29Sb0I
In neighbouring Ras Al Khaimah, Al Huwailat experienced heavy showers, with the emirate’s temperature forecast to drop to around 13°C later in the day.
الامارات : الان هطول أمطار الخير على الفجيرة #مركز_العاصفة #أخبار_الإمارات
— مركز العاصفة (@Storm_centre) January 7, 2026
7_1_2026 pic.twitter.com/SMfUtZetvv
Videos shared by Storm Centre showed vehicles moving slowly along rain-slicked roads in both emirates, with standing water visible in several areas and windscreens operating continuously. Another clip captured thick cloud cover forming over Al Huwailat in Ras Al Khaimah during the heaviest rainfall.
Orange alert
The NCM issued an orange alert on Wednesday for convective cloud formation over parts of Fujairah, valid until 7pm. Other areas, including Khor Fakkan and sections of Fujairah, were placed under a yellow alert earlier in the day. The authority urged the public to remain vigilant, particularly during outdoor activities, as convective clouds can bring sudden rainfall and gusty winds.
Temperature trend
Despite the rain, the weather authority said temperatures across the country are expected to dip only slightly in the coming days. However, fresh winds are likely to make conditions feel cooler, especially in northern and inland areas. The lowest temperature on Wednesday morning was recorded on Jebel Jais in Ras Al Khaimah at around 5.30am.
#أعلى_درجة_حرارة سجلت على الدولة هذا اليوم 27.3 درجة مئوية في سويحان (العين) الساعة 13:15 بالتوقيت المحلي لدولة الإمارات.#The_highest_temperature recorded over the country today is 27.3°C in Sweihan (Al Ain) at 13:15 UAE Local time. pic.twitter.com/qS4jdgRdWP
— المركز الوطني للأرصاد (@ncmuae) January 7, 2026
January is typically one of the wetter months in the UAE, with average nationwide rainfall standing at about 11.1mm, according to climatological data from the NCM.
Thursday outlook
Looking ahead to Thursday, January 8, the NCM has forecast generally fair to partly cloudy conditions across the UAE. Low clouds are expected to form over some northern areas, with a chance of light rainfall continuing in isolated locations. Humidity levels are expected to rise at night and during Friday morning over some inland regions.
Fresh winds reaching 40 Km/hr and rough sea with clouds activity in Oman Sea with wave height reaching 6 FT, from 17:55 until 22:00 Wednesday 07/01/2026. pic.twitter.com/SYY5aEmuWE
— المركز الوطني للأرصاد (@ncmuae) January 7, 2026
Winds will be light to moderate, blowing from the northeast to northwest at speeds of 10 to 25 km/h, occasionally reaching up to 35 km/h.
Sea conditions
Sea conditions in the Arabian Gulf are forecast to be slight to moderate. High tides are expected at 4.12pm and 5.53am, with low tides at 10.10am and 10.49pm. In the Sea of Oman, seas will also be slight to moderate, with high tides at 1.03pm and 1.36am, and low tides at 6.57pm and 8.17am.