WATCH: Heavy rain sweeps UAE’s eastern region as unstable weather continues through weekend
Drivers urged to remain alert during reduced visibility conditions
DUBAI – Heavy rain swept across parts of the UAE’s eastern region on Wednesday evening as active rain-bearing clouds moved through the country, bringing periods of intense showers and changing weather conditions.
Areas along Thokka Road recorded moderate to heavy rainfall, with videos shared by the UAE Storm Centre showing the downpour affecting eastern parts of the country.
The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) issued a rain alert at 3:40pm on Wednesday, 24 June, warning of possible convective cloud formation that could bring light to moderate rainfall, becoming heavy at times, across some eastern areas. The alert remained active between 2pm and 7:30pm, while affected locations were marked orange on the NCM’s colour-coded weather map, indicating hazardous conditions requiring residents to follow official guidance.
الإمارات : الان هطول أمطار الخير على طريق شوكة في المنطقة الشرقية #أخبار_الإمارات #مركز_العاصفة
— مركز العاصفة (@Storm_centre) June 24, 2026
24/06/2026 pic.twitter.com/Ldh5Li8JVl
The weather shift comes as the UAE enters a period of increased summer cloud activity, with eastern and mountainous areas more likely to experience rainfall due to convective cloud development. The NCM has also highlighted the possibility of changing conditions, including strong winds, blowing dust, reduced visibility and rougher sea conditions in some areas.
Rain alert
The morning began with cooler conditions in parts of the country, with the lowest temperature recorded on Wednesday reaching 24°C at Bada Dafas in the Al Dhafra Region at 5:45am. As the day progressed, atmospheric instability increased, leading to the formation of active clouds and rainfall along the eastern coastline.
الإمارات : الان هطول أمطار الخير على طريق شوكة وشارع الوطن في المنطقة الشرقية #أخبار_الإمارات #مركز_العاصفة
— مركز العاصفة (@Storm_centre) June 24, 2026
24/06/2026 pic.twitter.com/4QOy16ZDig
The NCM forecast for Thursday, 25 June, indicates fair to partly cloudy skies across the UAE, with the possibility of convective clouds developing by afternoon, especially over eastern and southern areas. Winds are expected to begin as light to moderate southeasterly winds before shifting northwesterly, becoming stronger at times over western regions.
Wind speeds are forecast to range between 10 and 25 kilometres per hour, while gusts could reach up to 40 km/h during stronger periods. These winds may raise dust and sand, reducing visibility on roads and creating challenging driving conditions.
Road warning
Authorities have urged motorists to exercise caution during periods of rain, strong winds or reduced visibility. Drivers have been advised to use headlights when visibility decreases, maintain safe distances, follow speed limits and avoid unnecessary travel during unstable weather conditions.
— المركز الوطني للأرصاد (@ncmuae) June 24, 2026
The public has also been reminded that speed limits may be adjusted during changing weather conditions. Any updated limits displayed on electronic road signs should be followed to help maintain road safety.
Residents have further been advised to avoid wadis, valleys and low-lying areas during heavy rainfall. These locations can experience sudden water accumulation, creating dangerous conditions during periods of intense rain.
Weekend forecast
Friday, 26 June, is expected to bring a temporary reduction in convective activity, although weather conditions will remain variable. Low clouds are forecast to develop along the eastern coast, while temperatures may ease slightly compared with recent highs.
Humidity levels are expected to rise from Friday evening into Saturday morning, with mist likely to form across coastal and inland areas. Winds may continue to create blowing dust in western parts of the country, with gusts potentially reaching 40 km/h.
Sea conditions are also expected to remain changeable. The Arabian Gulf will experience slight to moderate conditions, becoming rough at times, particularly in western areas. The Oman Sea is forecast to remain slight to moderate, with the possibility of rough patches.
Summer shift
The UAE’s eastern and mountainous regions often experience summer rainfall linked to convective cloud activity, particularly during seasonal periods such as ‘Rawayeh’. The period is associated with increased chances of scattered showers, cloud formation and slightly lower temperatures before the peak summer heat arrives.
The NCM has warned that temperatures could occasionally rise above 50°C in the coming period, although such extreme heat is not expected to continue for long stretches.
Residents and travellers have been encouraged to monitor official updates from the NCM and other authorities, while avoiding the spread of unverified information during changing weather conditions.