The UAE has been dealing with adverse weather throughout the week, with heavy rain, thunderstorms, strong winds and reduced visibility affecting several parts of the country.
As for today, residents should still expect unsettled conditions, with strong thunderstorms possible in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi, along with breezy weather, cooler temperatures and the chance of wet roads into the night. Temperatures are expected to drop to around 20°C in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi tonight.
Looking ahead, the weekend weather is expected to be calmer, but not completely settled, with cooler temperatures, dusty winds and rough sea conditions still forecast.
According to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), Saturday, 28 March will be slightly cloudy across the UAE, with another significant drop in temperatures. Winds will be moderate to fresh, becoming strong at times, reaching speeds of 40kph. Similar conditions are expected to prevail on Sunday, 29 March.
In Dubai, temperatures are expected to hover around 26°C during the day on both Saturday and Sunday, with lows of 19°C. Abu Dhabi is also forecast to stay around 26°C over the weekend, with temperatures easing to around 20°C on Saturday night and 19°C on Sunday night.
If you're planning to step out for lunch or dinner, the weekend should generally be much better than the stormy conditions seen earlier in the week. There is no rain forecast for Saturday or Sunday in the bulletin, and the drop in temperatures should make being outdoors more comfortable. Still, windy spells and blowing dust could make outdoor seating less pleasant at times, especially in open areas.
While the skies are expected to be clearer, the sea will remain rough through much of the weekend, making beach plans less ideal.
Carrying a light jacket or an extra layer would be a good idea for evenings outdoors. NCM says temperatures will drop significantly over the weekend, and the wind may make it feel cooler, especially near the coast.