UAE weather: NCM issues orange alert as heavy rains hit Abu Dhabi, Dubai

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Abu Dhabi and Dubai experienced heavy rain, thunder, and lightning during the early hours of Thursday morning, with ongoing rainfall across other parts of the UAE. Thunder and flashes of lightning accompanied the early morning showers that lasted until 5am.

However, the rainfall resumed shortly before 8 am and are expected to continue in varying intensities throughout the day.

Orange alert across UAE due to heavy rain

An orange alert, indicating potentially hazardous weather, has been issued by the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) for large portions of the country, effective until 8 pm on Thursday.

#أمطار #المركز_الوطني_للأرصاد#Rain #NCM pic.twitter.com/uMg9bKjFFv

— المركز الوطني للأرصاد (@ncmuae) May 2, 2024

Additional precipitation was reported in the Northern Emirates during the morning hours.

Orange alert for rough sea

The weather authority has issued an orange alert for rough sea in the Arabian Gulf with wave heights expected to reach 9 feet.

Continuity of fresh to strong winds reaching 65 Km/h and very rough sea in the Arabian Gulf with wave height reaching 9 FT offshore9 until 12:00 Thursday 02/05/2024. pic.twitter.com/41rwKhD2L3

— المركز الوطني للأرصاد (@ncmuae) May 1, 2024

Unstable weather system to move across the UAE

The NCM previously indicated that the current unstable weather would likely be less severe than the storms experienced on Tuesday, April 26.

pic.twitter.com/gP2Hliay5S

— المركز الوطني للأرصاد (@ncmuae) May 1, 2024

Both Abu Dhabi and Dubai police have advised motorists to exercise caution while driving, especially in adverse weather conditions. According to the Windy weather app, further rainfall is expected in both emirates, with conditions forecasted to improve by approximately 7 pm.

Read: UAE weather alert: Dubai Police issue warning to motorists

Read: Abu Dhabi Police’s 80kph lower speed limit for bad weather: What you should know