The United Arab Emirates is bracing for a spell of active weather starting today, Wednesday, 17 December. Residents can expect cloudy skies, a chance of rain, and gusty winds that may stir up dust across several regions.
Today's Weather Details and Warnings
The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has forecast overcast conditions with intermittent rainfall for Wednesday. Convective clouds are forming over the islands and are likely to extend towards coastal, northern, and eastern areas.
Authorities have issued yellow alerts in zones experiencing fresh southeasterly winds. These winds have the potential to lift dust and sand, significantly reducing horizontal visibility to less than 2,000 metres in some places. This reduced visibility is expected primarily in the north and east, lasting from early morning until late afternoon.
Wind speeds are predicted to range from 15 to 30 km/h, blowing from the southeast to northeast, with occasional gusts reaching up to 50 km/h.
Temperature Ranges and Sea Conditions
Daytime temperatures will see a slight dip across the country. Here is the expected range for key cities:
- Abu Dhabi: 20°C to 25°C
- Dubai: 21°C to 26°C
- Sharjah: 19°C to 25°C
Meanwhile, internal regions could see highs of around 30°C, while mountain areas may experience cooler lows of about 8°C.
Mariners should note that sea conditions are forecast to be moderate to rough in the Arabian Gulf and light to moderate in the Sea of Oman.
Extended Forecast Through Friday
The unsettled weather pattern is set to continue affecting the UAE through Friday, 19 December. The NCM indicates that rainfall intensity is likely to increase from Thursday onward.
The rain will begin in the western regions and gradually spread eastwards. Abu Dhabi may see showers by late Thursday night, with the rain extending to northern areas, Al Ain, and the eastern regions on Friday. Cloud cover is expected to decrease by Friday evening, accompanied by a noticeable drop in temperatures.
Precautions and Official Advice
The NCM is closely monitoring the situation and will provide regular updates. Residents are strongly advised to:
- Stay alert to the latest weather bulletins.
- Follow all guidance issued by local authorities.
- Exercise caution in areas affected by strong winds, blowing dust, and rough sea conditions.
Drivers, in particular, should be vigilant due to potential reduced visibility on roads, especially in open and desert areas.
