UAE Braces for Severe Weather as Storm System Intensifies on Thursday
Low-Pressure System Brings Heavy Rain, Strong Winds to UAE; Residents Prepare as Tornado Possibility Not Ruled Out
The United Arab Emirates is preparing for a significant weather event as meteorologists predict peak instability Thursday night into Friday morning, with heavy rain, strong winds, and thunderstorms expected to sweep across the region.
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The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has issued warnings as a powerful low-pressure system moves through the Gulf. While rain has already fallen across the UAE for several days, forecasters indicate conditions will intensify significantly over the next three days.
Record Rainfall Already Recorded
Parts of Abu Dhabi and Ajman have already received nearly a year's worth of rainfall on Monday, March 23, alone. The NCM reported 93.3mm of rain at its gauge in Al Manama, Ajman, while Ghayathi in western Abu Dhabi recorded 91mm, and Al Wathba near Abu Dhabi city received 88.2mm.
Residents Take Precautions
Across the Emirates, residents are preparing for the worst. Many have deployed sandbags and plastic sheets to protect homes from potential flooding. The roads have been noticeably quieter as schools shifted to remote learning and some companies mandated work-from-home arrangements.
Authorities have issued stern warnings. The Dubai Media Office stated that individuals gathering near valleys, dams, and flood-prone areas could face fines of up to Dh1,000 ($272) and receive six black points on their driving licenses.
The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (Ncema) confirmed it is monitoring the situation closely, with guidance to be issued through its early warning system if any safety threats emerge.
Regional Impact
The unstable weather extends beyond the UAE. Reuters reported at least five deaths in Oman on Monday after vehicles were swept away by floodwaters. Similar conditions are expected across eastern Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, and eastern Oman through Friday.
Climate Context
This week's severe weather comes nearly two years after the UAE experienced its heaviest recorded rainfall on April 16, 2024—a historic event that surpassed anything documented since data collection began in 1949.
Scientists at Abu Dhabi's Khalifa University and the National Centre of Meteorology found that stormy days in the UAE have increased by up to two per year compared to 2000 levels.
What to Expect
According to Howard Townsend, an unofficial weather forecaster on Facebook with a following of more than 14,000, the system passing through the Gulf is "volatile." He emphasized that the Gulf coastline, especially Dubai and the Northern Emirates, will see the worst of the conditions.
Residents are advised to stay away from flooded areas and wadis, follow official warnings, and prepare for potential disruptions to daily activities through the weekend.