Hail in summer? Indeed, it's possible! In the UAE, hail can frequently occur amidst blistering heat, offering respite to locals. On Monday, hailstones and torrential rain descended upon the Dubai-Al Ain road, where residents were seen gleefully catching the hailstones and appreciating the rain and cooler temperatures.
A video shared by Storm Centre showcases the heavy rain in Masakin, Al Ain, accompanied by light hail, as reported by the weather department. The National Centre of Meteorology has issued an orange alert for dust, wind, and thunder rains due to convective clouds and gusty winds reaching up to 50kmph, which cause dust storms. Horizontal visibility is anticipated to decrease to less than 3000m in some internal areas. The alert is in effect from 3.23pm until 7pm on August 5.
Previously, the meteorological department issued yellow alerts for dust, winds, and convective clouds, active until 7pm today. A yellow alert, until 6pm today, was also issued for rough seas with wave heights occasionally reaching 6 ft, particularly westward over the Arabian Gulf. A yellow alert advises residents to be cautious during outdoor activities, while an orange alert signifies forecasted hazardous weather events, requiring residents to prepare and follow authorities' advice.
According to the NCM, rainfall is expected from today, August 5, to Thursday, August 8. The meteorological center is monitoring the situation and will continue to provide updates on the current weather conditions in the country. Summer rains are not unusual in the UAE, influenced by the monsoon low pressure from India, and can be expected until late September, as explained by Ahmed Habib, an expert from the National Centre of Meteorology, in an earlier interview with Khaleej Times.
