UAE weather today: Clear skies return after storms with safety measures still in place
Public advised caution as recovery and clean-up efforts continue
DUBAI – The United Arab Emirates (UAE) woke up to clearer skies on Saturday, following a spell of heavy rain, thunderstorms and strong winds that swept across the country overnight from Thursday into early Friday.
While conditions have improved significantly, authorities remain on alert as part of ongoing safety and recovery efforts. From traffic management to public advisories, multiple agencies continue to coordinate responses after one of the most intense weather episodes of the season.
Saturday’s weather marks a transition phase, with cooler temperatures and partly cloudy skies prevailing across the country. According to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), the day will also see humid conditions in some inland areas, accompanied by north-westerly winds ranging between 15 and 25 km/h, with gusts reaching up to 40 km/h.
#أقل_درجة_حرارة سجلت على الدولة صباح هذا اليوم 5.6 درجة مئوية على جبل جيس (رأس الخيمة) الساعة 04:00 بالتوقيت المحلي لدولة الإمارات.#The_lowest_temperature recorded over the country this morning is 5.6°C in Jais Mountain (Ras Al Khaimah) at 04:00 UAE Local Time. pic.twitter.com/Y2SnfZZxox
— المركز الوطني للأرصاد (@ncmuae) March 28, 2026
Although the skies have cleared, the impact of recent rainfall remains visible across several emirates, with authorities continuing operations to ensure public safety and restore normalcy.
Storm impact
Heavy rain and thunderstorms hit multiple parts of the UAE late Thursday into Friday, affecting Dubai, Sharjah, northern regions and inland areas such as Al Ain. In some locations, intense downpours were accompanied by hail, highlighting the severity of the unstable weather system.
الامارات : شاهد بردية على القوع جنوب مدينة العين #منخفض_العزم #أخبار_الإمارات #مركز_العاصفة
— مركز العاصفة (@Storm_centre) March 27, 2026
27/03/2026 pic.twitter.com/eiIUrEFueg
Rainfall totals recorded during the storm underscored its intensity, while dramatic visuals captured lightning striking prominent landmarks, including the Burj Khalifa.
Authorities responded swiftly, deploying emergency teams to manage waterlogging, clear flooded roads and assist residents. Low-lying areas and open parking spaces were particularly affected, with some residents reporting continued challenges as clean-up efforts remain underway.
Traffic measures
Traffic management was a key focus during the adverse weather conditions, with authorities implementing several measures to ensure safety on the roads.
Abu Dhabi Police activated a temporary speed reduction system on major roads, including Umm Al Zomoul Road (Alwiqan–Hamran), lowering speed limits to 100 km/h. The move aimed to reduce accidents during poor visibility and wet road conditions. Motorists were urged to adhere strictly to electronic road signs and maintain safe driving practices.
#أخبارنا | #شرطة_أبوظبي تتعامل مع 117 ألف بلاغ خلال الحالة الجوية
— شرطة أبوظبي (@ADPoliceHQ) March 27, 2026
تعاملت شرطة أبوظبي مع 117 ألف بلاغ ورد إلى غرف العمليات في أبوظبي والعين والظفرة خلال تأثر الإمارة بالحالة الجوية المدارية خلال الفترة من 21 إلى 27 مارس 2026م، مؤكدة جاهزيتها العالية وسرعة استجابتها عبر منظومة… pic.twitter.com/dP5xA3TtnM
Between March 21 and 27, Abu Dhabi Police handled more than 117,000 reports through their operations rooms in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Dhafra. Traffic and security patrols operated around the clock, responding to incidents and regulating traffic flow in coordination with relevant authorities.
In Dubai, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) deployed specialised teams and equipment across key locations to ensure roads remained accessible and safe.
— RTA (@rta_dubai) March 28, 2026
The authority confirmed that it worked continuously to clear waterlogging and maintain mobility across the city.
مع تغيّر الأحوال الجوية، نواصل في #هيئة_الطرق_و_المواصلات رفع جاهزيتنا الميدانية عبر فرقنا المختصة وآلياتنا الموزعة في مواقع عدة، للتعامل السريع مع مستجدات الطقس والحفاظ على سلامة التنقّل في مختلف أنحاء #دبي.
— RTA (@rta_dubai) March 27, 2026
ونحرص على ضمان طرق أكثر أماناً وحركة مرورية أكثر انسيابية، بما يعكس… pic.twitter.com/92SYIWipMW
Ajman Transport Authority also intensified its operational efforts, increasing monitoring of traffic and public transport services to ensure continuity during the weather disruptions.
Travel advisory
Travellers were advised to plan ahead as weather conditions impacted transport schedules and road movement. Passengers heading to Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport were urged to allow extra time for their journeys and check flight statuses directly with airlines before departure.
⚠️????️ Due to adverse weather conditions, please allow additional time when travelling to @DXB or DWC.⁰⁰Check your flight status directly with your airline before heading to the airport.
— DXB (@DXB) March 26, 2026
The advisory reflects the broader approach taken by authorities to minimise disruption while ensuring public safety during and after the weather event.
Safety alerts
During the peak of the unstable weather, the NCM issued yellow and orange alerts across several regions. Orange alerts, labelled ‘Be Prepared’, covered parts of Abu Dhabi and Fujairah, warning of potentially severe conditions. Yellow alerts, or ‘Be Aware’, were issued for areas including Al Ain and Hatta, advising caution during outdoor activities.
Authorities, including the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority, urged residents to follow safety guidelines. These included avoiding unnecessary travel during heavy rain, staying away from flooded roads and wadis, and securing outdoor belongings against strong winds.
Motorists were specifically cautioned against distractions such as filming during adverse conditions, as well as sudden manoeuvres that could increase the risk of accidents.
Community response
The weather event also highlighted the preparedness of residents and communities. Many reported being better equipped to handle the situation compared to previous years, citing improved awareness and early warnings as key factors.
Delivery companies operating across the UAE reiterated their commitment to rider safety, stating that drivers are not obliged to continue deliveries during unsafe weather conditions. Companies confirmed that operations may be paused in affected areas, with riders allowed to go offline without consequence.
Customers were also informed of potential delays through in-app notifications, reflecting real-time adjustments based on weather conditions.
Public health
As rainfall subsides, authorities have also drawn attention to potential public health concerns, particularly the risk of mosquito breeding in stagnant water.
The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment advised residents to take preventive measures such as clearing standing water, maintaining drainage systems, and properly disposing of waste. Additional steps include trimming vegetation and using mosquito control solutions where necessary.
These measures aim to mitigate secondary impacts of rainfall, particularly in areas with greenery or water accumulation.
Pet safety
Pet owners were also urged to remain vigilant during unstable weather conditions. The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment highlighted the importance of protecting animals from exposure to rain, cold temperatures and potential hazards.
Simple precautions, including ensuring shelter and avoiding flooded areas, were recommended to safeguard pets during such periods.
Weather outlook
Saturday’s conditions reflect a shift towards relative stability, with partly cloudy skies and a noticeable drop in temperatures. Humidity levels are expected to rise in inland areas during the morning, while winds may cause blowing dust in some regions.
Fresh Northwesterly winds reaching 40 Km/hr and rough sea in Oman Sea with wave height reaching 7 FT, from 10:30 Saturday 28/03/2026 until 12:00 Monday 30/03/2026. pic.twitter.com/u0SXtWv1w6
— المركز الوطني للأرصاد (@ncmuae) March 28, 2026
Sea conditions remain rough in both the Arabian Gulf and the Oman Sea, prompting caution for maritime activities.
While the immediate threat of severe weather has eased, the overall pattern remains dynamic, with further changes expected in the coming days.
The NCM has indicated that the UAE will continue to experience unstable weather patterns in the near term. Although conditions on Saturday are calmer, the broader forecast suggests a return of rainfall later in the week.
Authorities continue to emphasise the importance of staying informed through official channels, as weather conditions can evolve rapidly during this transitional season.