National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) expects light to moderate rainfall on Tuesday 16 and Wednesday 17 December, mainly over the islands and some northern areas. On Wednesday, 17 December, cloud cover and precipitation are expected to be concentrated over the sea and the far northern parts of the country, occurring at intervals.
NCM expects the passage of the main rainfall wave on Thursday 18 and Friday 19 December, with effects beginning over the western regions and gradually moving to affect Abu Dhabi over the two days.
On Friday 19 December, rainfall is expected to extend to include the northern regions, Al Ain, and the eastern areas, with cloud amounts decreasing during the evening and night.
On Saturday 20 December, cloud amounts will decrease noticeably over the country, and rainfall chances will weaken, with the possibility of some low and mid-level clouds over the far northern parts of the country, which may be accompanied by limited rainfall.
Temperatures are set to fall steadily throughout the week. Daytime temperatures are expected to drop to 24ºC in Abu Dhabi and Dubai on Friday 19 December. It will be as low as 21ºC in Al Ain, where the mercury will drop to 10ºC by nighttime.
As a result of the atmospheric instability during this period, the formation of some local clouds is possible, especially during daytime hours.
Winds will be south-easterly to north-easterly, becoming north-westerly, moderate to strong at times, especially with convective clouds, raising dust and sand, and leading to reduced visibility.
The sea might be rough at times, especially with clouds, in the Arabian Gulf and the Sea of Oman.
The UAE experienced rainfall of varying intensity on Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 December, beginning over the waters of the Arabian Gulf and the islands, and then extending to the coastal areas, including Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Qaiwain, and Ras Al Khaimah.
During daytime hours, rainfall extended to the northern and eastern inland areas. The highest rainfall amount was recorded at Saqr Port at 12.5mm.
Based on satellite images and weather radar data, a decrease in cloud cover over the country was observed on Monday 15 December, with clouds concentrated over the sea, islands, and some northern and eastern areas, leading to a decline in rainfall chances.