UAE residents should brace for swift weather shifts, including thunderstorms, in the upcoming days. The intensity of rainfall is anticipated to diminish starting today (Tuesday) and will continue to ease over the next few days, according to a seasoned weatherman from the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM). This follows light and moderate rains observed in certain parts of the UAE on Monday, September 30. The NCM issued an orange alert for heavy rain and thunder activity until 9 pm on Monday.
In an interview with Khaleej Times, Dr Ahmed Habib, a climate expert from the NCM, explained, “Yesterday (Monday), we felt the impact of low pressure moving in from the southeast, which brought substantial moisture from the Arabian Sea, resulting in convective cloud formation, especially during the daytime. However, this system will progressively move southward. The moisture levels in the air will be lower than on Monday, and today’s (Tuesday) overall rainfall intensity will be less than yesterday’s.”
Dr Habib added, “On Monday, this weather pattern extended to Dubai, but from today onward, it will mainly affect the southern regions, including parts of Al Ain and the central and southern areas of Al Dhafra, particularly around Madinat Zayed.” Starting Wednesday, the country will encounter northwesterly winds, leading to fresh breezes and rough sea conditions. There are also chances of rain in the eastern parts of the country, especially in the mountainous areas near Fujairah.
The meteorologist noted that starting today (Tuesday), the UAE will experience the effects of a northwesterly wind. Habib reiterated, “Gradually this will decrease and the clouds will be concentrated only in the southern parts of the country.” As autumn transitions to gradual winter, temperatures fluctuate between warm and cold due to uneven heating of the Earth’s surface. During the day, the sun might still provide warmth, while at night, temperatures can drop significantly. September is considered the last month of summer in the UAE, with temperatures starting to decrease especially during the night.
Asked if the country is expected to experience a decrease in temperature, Dr Habib said, “If there is no cloud cover, there won’t be any decrease in temperature, as there will be no alteration in the air mass.” Change in air mass can significantly affect temperature due to the characteristics that different air masses bring with them. If a cold air mass moves into an area, it will lower the temperature. Conversely, a warm air mass will raise the temperature. “As per our forecast, the air mass will change on Friday due to north-westerly wind,” he added.
Habib emphasised that the transition period is characterised by rapid and significant weather changes both during autumn and spring. “Rain is common during this period. This is characteristic of the transitional period. You may experience stable weather one day, only to encounter sudden shifts to unstable conditions the next, leading to abrupt cloud cover and rain after a previously dry day. For example, two days ago there was fog everywhere and now we are witnessing thunder activity over scattered areas in the UAE. So, the weather quickly changes from stable to unstable.”
