UAE weather alert: NCM warns of blowing dust, fog chances and rough Gulf waters
Weak El Niño conditions expected during June to October 2026
DUBAI – The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is expected to witness fair but dusty weather conditions over the coming days, with rough seas, blowing dust and fluctuating temperatures forecast across several parts of the country, according to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM).
Saturday is set to remain mostly fair, although dusty conditions are expected at times as northwesterly to southwesterly winds stir up dust and sand, particularly across exposed inland areas. Winds are forecast to remain light to moderate, becoming fresh at intervals, especially over the sea, with speeds ranging between 10 and 25 km/h and reaching up to 40 km/h in some areas.
The Arabian Gulf is expected to remain moderate to rough, while conditions in the Oman Sea will be slight to moderate.
Temperatures across coastal and island areas are forecast to range between 33°C and 38°C, while internal regions may record highs between 37°C and 43°C. Mountainous areas are expected to see temperatures between 29°C and 34°C.
The NCM also recorded the country’s lowest temperature on Saturday morning at 17.8°C in Raknah at 6am UAE time.
Weather outlook
Similar weather conditions are expected on Sunday, with fair skies and occasional dusty periods caused by fresh winds over inland and marine areas. Humidity levels are forecast to increase during the night and early morning hours on Monday and Tuesday across some coastal areas, with a chance of mist or fog formation in northern regions.
Forecasters said northwesterly to southwesterly winds would continue into the start of the week, occasionally reducing visibility in dusty areas. Rough sea conditions are also expected to persist in the Arabian Gulf during daytime hours on Monday before gradually easing later.
By Wednesday, temperatures are forecast to rise slightly once again, while generally fair weather conditions continue across the UAE with calmer sea conditions expected in both the Arabian Gulf and the Oman Sea.
El Niño and La Niña patterns
The NCM also released its seasonal outlook on El Niño and La Niña patterns, stating that current indicators point towards neutral ENSO conditions gradually trending towards a weak El Niño phase.
Seasonal Forecast on El Niño & La Niña impacts.
— المركز الوطني للأرصاد (@ncmuae) May 8, 2026
Current indicators show neutral ENSO conditions trending toward weak El Niño, with near to above average temperatures and rainfall expected during June–October 2026.#NCM #ElNiño #SeasonalForecast #Climate #Weather #UAE pic.twitter.com/4XQjxKuvsH
Forecasters expect near to above-average temperatures and rainfall across the region between June and October 2026 under these evolving climate conditions.