UAE braces for rain, strong winds and temperature drop as unstable weather sets in
Temperatures dip to 21°C in major cities amid unstable conditions
DUBAI – The National Centre of Meteorology has forecast a spell of unsettled weather across the UAE, with rain, cooler temperatures and strong winds expected to affect several parts of the country from Sunday and into next week.
The shift is being driven by an active low-pressure system interacting with upper-air conditions, creating ideal conditions for cloud formation and scattered rainfall.
Authorities have also issued safety advisories as visibility may be reduced at times due to blowing dust and sand.
Light to moderate rain expected across Dubai.
— Dubai Policeشرطة دبي (@DubaiPoliceHQ) April 11, 2026
Your safety and the safety of others on the road come first. Drive with caution and follow safety guidelines:
• Reduce speed
• Keep a safe distance
• Brake gradually to avoid skidding
• Use windshield wipers for clear visibility…
Today’s weather
Light to moderate rainfall has already been reported across parts of Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Al Ain, signalling the arrival of unstable weather conditions.
الامارات : الان هطول امطار الخير على أبوظبي #مركز_العاصفة #اخبار_الامارات
— مركز العاصفة (@Storm_centre) April 11, 2026
11_4_2026 pic.twitter.com/0JyvKlcg08
According to the NCM, the current pattern is linked to a surface low-pressure system combined with an upper-air trough, encouraging the development of convective clouds.
Temperatures remain mild for this time of year, with daytime highs ranging between 31°C and 34°C across coastal and inland areas, while mountainous regions are seeing cooler conditions in the low 20s. Humidity levels have risen significantly, reaching up to 85 per cent in coastal zones, adding to the sense of unsettled weather.
Winds are light to moderate but are expected to freshen at intervals, particularly during cloud activity. Sea conditions in the Arabian Gulf are slight to moderate, turning rough at times, while the Sea of Oman remains relatively calm to moderate.
Sunday’s weather
Conditions are forecast to intensify on Sunday, with partly cloudy to cloudy skies and a higher probability of rainfall across scattered areas of the country. Convective cloud formation is expected to become more widespread, bringing intermittent showers and a noticeable drop in temperatures.
من المتوقع غدًا الأحد استمرار فرص هطول أمطار الخير على مناطق الدولة، تشمل منطقة الظفرة وأبوظبي والمناطق الشمالية، وقد تكون رعدية أحيانًا، والله أعلم #أخبار_الإمارات #مركز_العاصفة pic.twitter.com/N0blJOyX6P
— مركز العاصفة (@Storm_centre) April 11, 2026
In Dubai and Abu Dhabi, temperatures are set to dip to around 21°C, with daytime highs reaching approximately 26°C. However, some internal regions may still record warmer conditions, with temperatures climbing up to 35°C.
Winds will blow from the northeast to southeast at speeds of 15 to 25 km/h, with gusts reaching up to 45 km/h during cloud activity. These stronger winds are likely to raise dust and sand, reducing horizontal visibility in exposed areas. Sea conditions in the Arabian Gulf are expected to become moderate to rough, particularly during periods of cloud formation, while the Sea of Oman will remain slight to moderate.
Next week’s outlook
Unsettled weather is expected to persist into the early part of the week, with varying conditions across different regions. On Monday, skies will remain partly cloudy, with a chance of light rain over eastern and southern areas. Humidity levels are forecast to increase overnight into Tuesday morning, particularly in inland regions.
— المركز الوطني للأرصاد (@ncmuae) April 11, 2026
By Tuesday, conditions will become generally fair to partly cloudy, although cloud cover may build again over southern parts of the country. Winds are expected to freshen, especially over sea areas, maintaining slightly rough marine conditions.
On Wednesday, partly cloudy skies will continue, accompanied by stronger northwesterly winds over the sea. These winds are likely to raise dust inland and push sea conditions in the Arabian Gulf to rough and, at times, very rough levels. The Sea of Oman is expected to remain comparatively moderate.
Authorities, including Abu Dhabi Police and Dubai Police, have urged motorists to exercise caution amid changing weather conditions. Drivers are advised to adhere to variable speed limits, maintain safe distances, and ensure clear visibility while driving, particularly during rainfall and dusty winds.