UAE weather: Rain lashes Dubai, Sharjah as NCM forecasts more showers

Gusts could reach 50kmph and stir up dust and sand

UAE weather
Caption: Heavy rain has been reported in Dubai and Sharjah as the NCM forecasts afternoon cloud formations, rainfall and strong winds across parts of the UAE.
Source: Storm Center

DUBAI/SHARJAH – Heavy rain was reported in parts of Dubai and Sharjah on Saturday as unstable weather affected the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Showers were reported in Margham, Dubai, while rainfall was also seen in Sharjah, with weather monitoring updates showing wet conditions in the two emirates. The weather activity comes as the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) forecasts further convective cloud development and rainfall across parts of the country on Sunday.

The latest bulletin points to another day of changeable conditions, with clouds expected to build during the afternoon over eastern, southern and inland areas. Winds could also become fresh to strong at times, particularly around cloud activity, with gusts potentially reaching 50kmph.

Rain hits Dubai, Sharjah

The Storm Centre shared footage on Saturday showing heavy showers in Margham, Dubai, during the afternoon.

Further reports showed rainfall in Sharjah as unsettled conditions developed across parts of the UAE.

The latest weather activity follows forecasts for convective cloud formation across several parts of the country. The NCM's Sunday bulletin indicates that rainfall could accompany these clouds as they develop over selected areas.

The expected activity is not forecast to cover the entire country, with the main focus on eastern, southern and inland locations.

Sunday forecast

The NCM has forecast fair to partly cloudy conditions on Sunday, August 9, with convective clouds forming during the afternoon over some eastern, southern and inland areas.

These cloud formations are expected to be accompanied by rainfall, with conditions potentially becoming more active as the day progresses.

The forecast indicates that the weather will vary across different parts of the UAE, with some areas remaining fair or partly cloudy while others could experience cloud build-up and showers.

The development of convective clouds can also be accompanied by changes in wind conditions, particularly in and around affected areas.

Winds strengthen

Winds are forecast to blow from the southeast to northeast at speeds of 10kmph to 25kmph.

The NCM said winds may become fresh to strong at times, particularly with cloud activity, and could reach speeds of up to 50kmph.

Stronger winds may cause blowing dust and sand, particularly over inland and exposed areas. Visibility could also be affected where dust and sand are lifted by the stronger gusts.

The combination of cloud activity and gusty conditions is expected to be most noticeable during periods of convective development.

Sea conditions

Marine conditions are forecast to remain slight in both the Arabian Gulf and the Oman Sea on Sunday.

In the Arabian Gulf, the first high tide is expected at 9:24pm, while the first low tide is forecast for 5:49am.

In the Oman Sea, the first high tide is expected at 5:38pm, followed by a second high tide at 8:22am. The first low tide is forecast at 12:36pm, while the second low tide is expected at 1:08am.