Expect gusts of up to 50km/h on Tuesday and Wednesday, enough to stir up dust and cut visibility on UAE roads. The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) also forecasts a weather with a humid start on Tuesday, with fog or mist in some coastal areas, and a run of unsettled days until Thursday. The five-day bulletin, issued on 19 October, points to convective clouds over eastern and southern areas in the afternoons. Rain is possible on Tuesday and Wednesday, and the chance returns on Thursday. Fair to partly cloudy skies are forecast for Friday.
Wind, dust and fog on the roads
Tuesday and Wednesday carry the strongest winds. On Thursday they ease to about 40km/h, but blowing dust remains in the forecast. If you drive between emirates, allow extra time and keep your distance from the car ahead when visibility drops.
Humidity will rise overnight into Tuesday morning, so check conditions before an early commute. Fog is forecast overnight in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The NCM also expects fog to drift over western areas by Friday, which could make roads there difficult.
Where the rain is likely
An NCM expert said on Monday that eastern areas are likely to see the most rainfall. Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah and Al Ain are set for heavy rain until Wednesday, according to the NCM’s online weather map. On Thursday, showers may develop over both eastern and western areas.
The NCM’s outlook has Dubai and Abu Dhabi largely avoiding the wet weather, with high humidity making the week muggy instead. Showers could still reach both cities, as well as Al Ain.
Some convective clouds could produce small hail, but the NCM expert said this is not expected to develop into a significant hailstorm.
If you plan a trip to the mountains or the wadis, take care. Rainfall could be particularly significant over the eastern mountains, and water could flow through the wadis.
Temperatures
It will stay warm despite the cloud:
- Inland: up to 42°C
- Coast and islands: 34°C to 39°C
- Mountains: 28°C to 33°C
Dubai is forecast to reach around 37°C, and temperatures will top 40°C in Al Ain. The Arabian Gulf and the Sea of Oman are expected to stay slight, so conditions at sea look calm even as the wind picks up on land.
In short, plan for changeable conditions through Thursday: check the NCM’s latest updates before you set off, and expect clearer skies on Friday.
