Severe weather is forecasted in the UAE from Friday evening, 8 March, until noon on Sunday, 10 March. UAE residents can expect heavy rain with lightning, thunder, and occasional hailstorms. This was announced in a joint media briefing on 7 March by the National Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA), the Ministry of Interior (MoI), and the National Centre for Meteorology (NCM).
Government Urges Residents To Be Cautious
The briefing emphasised the need for people to take precautions and steer clear of flood-prone areas. It's vital to avoid places with water build up, flooded zones, and regions likely to be impacted by severe weather. Authorities advise residents to stay home unless absolutely necessary and to park vehicles in safe areas, avoiding mountains, valleys, and water bodies. The NCEMA also cautioned about hailstorms and urged residents to take safety measures to safeguard themselves, their property, and vehicles from ice.
Motorists were cautioned about expected reduced visibility, water accumulation, and strong winds. Authorities also assured that the Ministry, police teams, and supporting bodies from strategic partners, such as civil defence, ambulance, and rescue services, are fully prepared to handle any emergency situation. They are equipped to implement approved plans ensuring the security and safety of everyone.
Fahad Butti Al Muhairi, spokesman for NCEMA, during the media briefing said, "We note the importance of protecting oneself and others through cooperation with the concerned authorities, full and complete compliance with the instructions of the competent authorities, applying safety and prevention requirements, exercising caution, and securing their vehicles, especially in areas that may witness heavy rain and hail, and the need for caution when driving."
Dr. Mohamed Al Abri, the NCM Spokesperson, urged people to refrain from gatherings that could disrupt the work of relevant authorities. He cautioned that failure to follow official instructions will result in legal consequences.
Weather Fluctuation Condition: How Will It Start
Authorities predict heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and hail across the country from Friday evening, 8 March, until noon on Sunday, 10 March, leading to potential floods in certain areas. Strong winds may cause low visibility on roads, with the worst weather expected from Friday midnight to Saturday midnight.
The bad weather will start from Al Dhafra and Al Ain regions, before extending to Abu Dhabi and its suburbs. Dubai will then experience unstable weather before moving on to Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Fujairah, and Ras Al Khaimah. Weather conditions are expected to improve by Sunday evening.
The weather fluctuation condition will gradually decrease and remain within the Eastern regions zone starting from Sunday evening and night.
What Will Be Closed
First and foremost, it's strongly advised to only venture out if absolutely necessary. Roads leading to valleys and mountains in the UAE will be shut this weekend due to anticipated 'severe' weather conditions, and will remain closed for the duration of the adverse weather.
It was emphasised during the briefing that the choice to switch to remote learning is at the discretion of local emergency, crisis, and disaster management teams in each emirate, particularly in areas expected to be severely affected. Starting from Friday until the end of the inclement weather, authorities will close all roads leading to valleys, mountains, and hazardous areas.
Decisions regarding the cancellation of events and tourist activities will also be made by local emergency, crisis, and disaster management teams.
UAE Weather Forecast For Today
Get ready for wet weather in the UAE as light to moderate rain hit Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah Friday, 8 March morning. The National Center of Meteorology (NCM) forecasts unstable weather conditions with partly cloudy to overcast skies and scattered rain clouds across the country from today. Tonight, Friday, 8 March, residents can expect rain of varying intensity with thunder and lightning, especially in Abu Dhabi. The NCM has issued yellow and amber alerts due to convective cloud formation.
Drivers should be cautious due to slippery roads. Inland temperatures are forecasted to range between 24°C to 33°C, while coastal Dubai will see highs of 26°C to 30°C, and mountainous areas 22°C to 26°C.
Moderate to strong winds may trigger dust and sandstorms, reducing visibility. The sea will be moderate, turning rough with cloudy skies in the Arabian Gulf and Oman Sea.