Weather alert: UAE may experience scattered rain and thunderstorms over Eid Al Fitr 2026
Moderate temperatures with light to fresh winds during the holiday
DUBAI – As the United Arab Emirates (UAE) prepares to celebrate Eid Al Fitr 2026, the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has forecast a period of atmospheric instability affecting the country from Thursday, March 19, through Friday, March 27.
Residents and visitors can expect cloud formations moving in from the west, triggering convective clouds over scattered areas, with rainfall of varying intensity and occasional thunder and lightning. Certain areas may even see hail.
The official start of Eid Al Fitr falls on Friday, March 20, following confirmation by the Presidential Court after the Shawwal crescent moon was not sighted on Wednesday, March 18. Thursday, March 19, marks the final day of Ramadan, as determined by the Moon-sighting Committee for Shawwal 1447 AH, affiliated with the UAE Council for Fatwa.
Rain outlook
On Saturday, light to moderate rain is expected over scattered areas, intensifying to heavy rainfall across the northern and eastern regions and Al Ain during the daytime. Sunday will see continued development of convective clouds, bringing rainfall of varying intensity to the same areas.
Cloud activity
Convective clouds are forecast to persist on Monday and Tuesday over most parts of the country, producing scattered rain, while on Wednesday northern and eastern areas may again see intermittent showers. From Thursday to Saturday, the cycle of convective clouds and scattered rainfall is expected to continue, creating variable weather conditions throughout the country.
Wind and sea
Winds are expected from southeasterly to northeasterly directions, generally light to moderate, freshening at times with cloud activity and reducing horizontal visibility in open areas. Sea conditions will range from slight to moderate, becoming rough in some places during periods of cloud activity.
#تنبيه #حالة_البحر #الخليج_العربي #المركز_الوطني_للأرصاد#Sea #Sea_Alert #Arabian_Gulf #NCM pic.twitter.com/SrKug41Xxw
— المركز الوطني للأرصاد (@ncmuae) March 18, 2026
Residents planning prayers, family visits, or outdoor activities during Eid Al Fitr 2026 are advised to monitor local weather updates, as scattered showers, occasional thunderstorms, and cooler temperatures may influence celebrations across the UAE.