Weather alert: When will rain return to UAE and how long will it last?
NCM outlines changing conditions from Saturday through Wednesday
DUBAI – The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is entering a period of shifting weather conditions, beginning with cooler temperatures this weekend and gradually moving towards increased cloud cover and rainfall in the days ahead.
Following recent heavy rain, the forecast indicates a brief phase of stability before another weather system approaches mid-week.
According to the National Centre of Meteorology, the upcoming system is expected to bring light to moderate rainfall across various parts of the country. While it may include occasional heavier showers, it is not anticipated to match the intensity of the recent storm.
The evolving conditions reflect a seasonal transition, where interactions between warm and cool air masses create variability in weather patterns across the region.
Weekend trend
Saturday will see partly cloudy skies with a noticeable drop in temperatures, offering relatively mild conditions across the UAE. Humidity is expected in inland areas during the morning, while north-westerly winds will continue at speeds of 15 to 25 km/h, reaching up to 40 km/h at times.
Sea conditions are forecast to remain rough, particularly in the Arabian Gulf, with similar conditions extending into the Oman Sea.
On Sunday, the weather will remain generally fair to partly cloudy, with occasional dust due to continued north-westerly winds. Conditions at sea will range from moderate to rough, maintaining a level of caution for marine activities.
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
Early week
Monday is expected to continue the trend of partly cloudy skies, with cloud formation likely over western areas and islands, particularly during the night. Wind patterns will remain consistent, and sea conditions will stay moderate to rough.
The early part of the week represents a transitional phase, with stable conditions gradually giving way to increased cloud activity.
Rain to return
By Tuesday, cloud cover is expected to increase significantly, bringing partly cloudy to cloudy conditions across the country. There is a chance of light to moderate rainfall in scattered areas, marking the beginning of the next weather system.
Temperatures are likely to rise slightly ahead of the rainfall, while winds will shift to south-easterly to north-easterly directions at speeds of 10 to 25 km/h, with gusts reaching up to 35 km/h. Sea conditions will ease slightly, ranging from slight to moderate.
Midweek shift
Wednesday is forecast to see more pronounced weather activity, with partly cloudy to cloudy skies accompanied by light to moderate rainfall across several regions. Heavier showers are possible in northern and eastern areas during the daytime.
Temperatures are expected to drop again, particularly in western parts of the country. Winds will become more variable, shifting between south-easterly, north-easterly, north-westerly and south-westerly directions, with speeds reaching up to 45 km/h at times.
Sea conditions will intensify, becoming rough to very rough in the Arabian Gulf and moderate to rough in the Oman Sea.
Meteorological experts have indicated that the upcoming weather system will differ significantly from the recent storm. It is expected to have lower moisture levels and weaker atmospheric dynamics, resulting in less intense rainfall overall.
Most precipitation is likely to be light to moderate, with heavier showers limited to specific localised areas. Southern inland regions and areas around Al Ain are expected to experience more noticeable effects, while coastal areas may see comparatively lighter impact.
Seasonal pattern
The changing weather conditions are consistent with the UAE’s spring transition period. During this time, fluctuations between warm and cool air masses create unstable atmospheric conditions, leading to variations in temperature, cloud cover and rainfall.
Such patterns are typical for this time of year and contribute to the dynamic nature of the country’s weather during late March and early April.
Looking ahead
Rainfall is expected to continue into early April, with conditions evolving based on atmospheric changes. Authorities have noted that forecasts may be updated as new data becomes available, reflecting the fluid nature of weather systems.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed through official updates and remain prepared for changes in conditions, particularly during mid-week when rainfall activity is expected to increase.