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The UAE is preparing for a sustained spell of unstable weather as forecasts from the National Center of Meteorology (NCM) point to rainfall, strong winds, reduced visibility and rough sea conditions across several parts of the country in the coming days.
The evolving weather pattern is already affecting parts of the country, with heavy to moderate rainfall reported across areas of Fujairah earlier this week, and additional rainfall and wind activity expected to extend into coastal, northern and eastern regions.
Read more-UAE braces for rain, strong winds: Here’s what to expect this week
The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has forecast partially cloudy to occasionally cloudy conditions, with the formation of convective clouds accompanied by rainfall over the islands and extending into parts of the coastal, northern and eastern regions.
In a statement, the NCM said winds will be moderate to active, becoming strong at times, raising dust and sand and leading to reduced horizontal visibility. Winds are expected to blow from southeasterly to northeasterly directions at speeds ranging between 15 and 30 km/hr, with gusts reaching up to 50 km/hr at times, according to a WAM report.
Sea conditions are forecast to remain moderate in the Arabian Gulf, becoming rough at times, while the Sea of Oman will experience light to moderate waves.
Fujairah sees heavy rainfall and valley runoff
Weather impacts have already been felt on the ground, particularly in the emirate of Fujairah and surrounding areas, which witnessed scattered rainfall on Monday, December 15. Rainfall ranged from heavy to moderate and affected areas including Murbah, Masafi, Al Farfar and central Fujairah city.
The rainfall was accompanied by a noticeable drop in temperatures, as the country continues to be influenced by an active low-pressure system. Heavy rain led to runoff in several valleys and mountain streams in mountainous areas, creating striking natural scenery but also raising safety concerns.
Authorities urged motorists to exercise caution and avoid valley crossings to ensure public safety. Emergency teams from the Fujairah Government remain on standby, closely monitoring weather conditions and responding swiftly to reports in order to maintain traffic flow and minimise potential impacts associated with the rainfall.
Unstable weather pattern expected to persist through Saturday
Looking ahead, the National Center of Meteorology has forecast a broader period of unstable weather across the UAE starting Wednesday and continuing through Saturday, bringing rainfall, strong winds, reduced visibility and rough sea conditions to multiple areas.
According to the NCM, Wednesday, December 17, will see partly cloudy to cloudy skies, with a chance of rainfall over the islands and some coastal and northern regions. Winds will remain moderate to fresh from the southeast to northeast, strengthening at times and causing blowing dust and sand, which may further reduce horizontal visibility. Wind speeds are expected to range from 15 to 30 km/hr, with gusts reaching up to 50 km/hr. Sea conditions are forecast to be moderate to rough in the Arabian Gulf, while the Oman Sea will remain slight to moderate.
Stronger winds and rougher seas forecast later in the week
Weather conditions are expected to intensify on Thursday, December 18, as convective cloud formations develop across scattered parts of the country, bringing rainfall. Winds will shift from southeasterly to northwesterly and remain moderate to fresh, becoming strong at times, particularly near cloud activity. These conditions are likely to result in blowing dust and sand and further deterioration in visibility. Wind speeds are forecast between 15 and 35 km/hr, with gusts of up to 55 km/hr.
By Friday, December 19, unstable conditions are expected to persist, accompanied by a significant drop in temperatures. Rainfall is forecast over scattered areas, with skies remaining partly cloudy to cloudy. Winds are expected to shift between northwesterly and southwesterly directions and may strengthen further, potentially reaching 60 km/hr, causing dust and sand storms and poor visibility in some locations.
Sea conditions are forecast to become rough in the Arabian Gulf and moderate to rough in the Oman Sea.
Conditions are expected to gradually improve on Saturday, December 20, although partly cloudy to cloudy skies will remain. The NCM has indicated a continued chance of convective cloud formation and rainfall, particularly over northern and eastern regions, with winds remaining moderate to fresh and becoming strong at times over the sea.
Authorities have advised residents, motorists and sea-goers to exercise caution during periods of strong winds, reduced visibility and rough seas, and to remain updated with official weather alerts issued by the National Center of Meteorology.
