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UAE weather today: Check latest rain, thunderstorms and travel updates in all emirates

Authorities activate emergency plans as residents report flooding and damage

UAE weather
Caption: Get the latest updates on rain, thunderstorms, and travel across all UAE emirates, including flooded streets, disrupted transport, and safety advisories for residents and commuters.
Source: DMO
    27 Mar, 2026


DUBAI/ABU DHABI – The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is experiencing a widespread spell of unstable weather, with heavy rain, thunderstorms and strong winds affecting multiple emirates from Thursday night into Friday.

Authorities across the country have issued alerts, activated emergency response plans and urged residents to remain cautious as conditions evolve through the day.

The weather system, driven by a low-pressure front moving from the west, has brought intense convective cloud activity, lightning, thunder and bursts of heavy rainfall across coastal, northern and eastern regions. From flooded streets in Ajman to lightning striking iconic landmarks in Dubai, the impact has been both dramatic and disruptive.

As the situation continues to develop, residents are being advised to monitor official updates, avoid risky areas and plan travel carefully, particularly with disruptions reported on roads, public transport and flights.

UAE weather outlook

According to the National Centre of Meteorology, the country remains under the influence of a rainy weather system that will persist until Friday night. The system initially concentrated over western regions has gradually expanded across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, the northern coasts and southern interior areas.

Between 1am and 3am on Friday, the effects extended to Abu Dhabi and Dubai, bringing heavy rainfall accompanied by thunder and lightning. By early morning, between 4am and 5am, the system had spread further to northern and eastern regions, including Al Ain, continuing to deliver intense downpours.

The NCM confirmed that convective clouds will continue to form over scattered areas throughout the day, producing rainfall ranging from moderate to heavy at times.

Authorities issued multiple weather alerts as conditions intensified. Yellow and orange warnings were announced for convective cloud activity across large parts of the country, indicating the risk of thunderstorms and heavy rain.

The National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority warned residents to avoid valleys and wadis, which can flood rapidly and become dangerous within minutes. Residents were also advised to avoid unnecessary outdoor activity, particularly near unstable structures, trees and flood-prone zones.

A flash flood alert was issued shortly after midnight, highlighting the seriousness of the weather system as it moved inland.

Rainfall records

Weather stations recorded significant rainfall totals, underlining the intensity of the system. Shawka in Ras Al Khaimah registered the highest rainfall at 77.5mm.

Other notable figures included:

  • Kalba: 65.8mm
  • Umm Al Ghaf: 60.6mm
  • Wadi Al Tuwai in Fujairah: 57.2mm
  • Al Dhaid in Sharjah: 53.9mm

Additional readings showed:

  • Al Tawiyeen: 47.9mm
  • Al Marjan: 39.7mm
  • Khor Fakkan: 33.3mm
  • Khatm Al Shakla: 31.6mm

These figures reflect widespread rainfall across multiple regions, particularly in eastern and northern parts of the UAE.

Temperature outlook

Temperatures have dropped slightly due to cloud cover and rainfall. In Dubai and Sharjah, highs are expected to reach around 25°C, with lows of 22°C and 21°C respectively.

In Abu Dhabi, temperatures range between 21°C and 26°C. The lowest temperature recorded in the country was 10.5°C at Jais Mountain in Ras Al Khaimah.

Winds impact

Winds have played a major role in worsening conditions. Speeds have ranged between 15–30km/h, with gusts reaching up to 60km/h in some areas.

These winds have caused:

  • Blowing dust and sand
  • Reduced horizontal visibility
  • Damage to property such as windows and balconies

Sea conditions have also been affected, turning moderate to rough in both the Arabian Gulf and the Sea of Oman.

Travel disruption

Travel across the UAE has been significantly affected. Dubai Airports issued an advisory urging passengers to allow extra time when travelling to Dubai International Airport and DWC, and to check flight status directly with airlines.

Public transport has also been impacted. Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority warned of possible bus disruptions, while Sharjah authorities temporarily suspended intercity bus services as a precaution.

In Abu Dhabi, police activated speed reduction systems on major highways, lowering limits to 60km/h on key routes such as Abu Dhabi–Al Ain Road to ensure safety during reduced visibility.

Road conditions

Heavy rain has led to waterlogging and hazardous driving conditions in several areas. In Ras Al Khaimah, sections of Emirates Road were flooded due to overflow from valleys, prompting authorities to advise motorists to use alternative routes.

In Sharjah, streets such as Al Wahda Road were seen submerged in water, while wadis in eastern regions flowed rapidly following sustained rainfall.

Authorities have urged drivers to:

  • Avoid flooded roads
  • Maintain safe distances
  • Drive cautiously during low visibility
  • Flooding and damage

The storm has had a visible impact on residential areas, particularly in Ajman. Neighbourhoods such as Al Nuaimiya, Al Khor and Al Rashidiya reported water entering homes and parking areas turning into pools.

Residents described how quickly conditions escalated. Water entered homes within minutes during peak rainfall, remaining inside for hours before receding. Community efforts played a key role in clearing water once the rain subsided.

In high-rise buildings, strong winds caused windows and balcony doors to break, allowing rainwater to enter apartments. Some residents reported cracked glass and interior flooding due to wind pressure.

Vehicles parked in open areas were also affected, with tree branches falling and, in some cases, blocking access.

Despite the severity of the weather, some areas demonstrated strong infrastructure performance. Residents in parts of Dubai noted minimal water accumulation on roads due to proactive drainage measures.

Field teams from the Roads and Transport Authority worked round the clock to monitor conditions and respond to issues, helping maintain traffic flow in critical areas.

Emergency response

Authorities across the UAE have maintained high readiness levels. Civil defence teams conducted rescue operations in Ras Al Khaimah, assisting individuals trapped by floodwaters.

Municipal teams in Abu Dhabi and Dubai were deployed to manage water accumulation and maintain road safety. Drainage systems were actively used, with covers opened to prevent flooding in key areas.

Ajman Police confirmed that residents can report vehicle damage or request number plate replacements through smart applications.

Essential services have continued despite the weather. Abu Dhabi’s Department of Energy confirmed uninterrupted electricity and water supply across the emirate.

However, some services faced limitations:

  • Delivery services reported delays and reduced availability
  • Driving institutes shifted communication to email-only support
  • Public transport schedules were partially affected

Health advisory

As rainfall subsides, authorities have warned of a potential rise in mosquitoes due to stagnant water. The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment advised residents to:

  • Remove standing water
  • Maintain clean drainage systems
  • Dispose of waste properly
  • Use mosquito control measures

Weather forecast

The NCM confirmed that Friday marks the final phase of unstable weather conditions. Rainfall will continue intermittently throughout the day, with gradual improvement expected by evening.

Cloud cover is forecast to decrease later in the day, with a transition towards clearer skies over the weekend.

When will rain and storms ease in UAE? Check forecast through the weekend

TravelsDubai Report

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