UAE braces for rain, strong winds: Here’s what to expect this week

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The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has forecast partially cloudy to occasionally cloudy weather across the UAE, with a chance of rainfall over some coastal and northern areas as unsettled conditions continue to impact the country. Winds are expected to remain light to moderate, becoming active at times, according to official forecasts.

In a statement, the NCM said winds will blow from southeasterly to northeasterly directions at speeds ranging between 10 and 25 km/hr, with gusts reaching up to 40km/hr at times. Sea conditions in the Arabian Gulf are expected to be slight to moderate, becoming rough during nighttime hours, according to a report by WAM.

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The first high tide in the Arabian Gulf will occur at 09:38am, followed by a second at 23:00. Low tides are expected at 5:08pm and 03:15am. In the Sea of Oman, waves will remain slight to moderate, with high tides forecast at 8:10pm and 06:21am, and low tides at 1:02pm and 01:24am.

Low-pressure systems drive multi-day weather disruptions

Looking beyond the immediate forecast, the NCM has warned that unsettled weather conditions are expected to persist across the UAE over the coming days. The country remains under the influence of a surface low-pressure system extending into the region, accompanied by an upper-air low-pressure system. This weather pattern is likely to sustain partly cloudy to cloudy skies, intermittent rainfall, and a noticeable drop in temperatures, particularly in coastal and northern areas.

From Monday, December 15, skies are expected to remain partly cloudy to cloudy at times, with continued chances of rainfall. Winds will be light to moderate, becoming fresh at times. Sea conditions in the Arabian Gulf are forecast to remain slight to moderate before turning rough by night and into early Tuesday, while conditions in the Sea of Oman will stay slight to moderate.

Stronger winds and rough seas expected midweek

On Tuesday, December 16, convective cloud activity is forecast to increase, bringing rainfall to scattered areas across the country. Winds are expected to strengthen, blowing from southeasterly to northeasterly directions at moderate to fresh speeds, and may become strong at times. Wind speeds could reach up to 45 km/hr, potentially causing blowing dust and sand. Sea conditions are expected to be moderate to rough in the Arabian Gulf and may become rough at times in the Sea of Oman.

Similar weather patterns are expected to continue through Wednesday and Thursday, with partly cloudy to cloudy skies and intermittent rainfall, especially over coastal areas. Winds are forecast to shift from southeasterly to northwesterly and may reach speeds of up to 50 km/h, contributing to dusty conditions. Sea conditions in both the Arabian Gulf and the Sea of Oman are expected to remain moderate to rough.

Authorities have advised residents and marine users to exercise caution during periods of strong winds, reduced visibility, and rough seas, and to remain informed through official weather bulletins.