A brief spell of light rain brought much-needed relief to residents in the UAE, lowering temperatures and creating a refreshing shift in the atmosphere.

The UAE is expected to experience cloudy weather and rainfall of varying intensity across several regions until Thursday, March 12, according to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM).

Scattered showers are forecast for today, accompanied by a slight drop in temperatures, particularly in the western parts of the country.

Meteorologists say cloud systems moving in from the west will pass over the UAE at intermittent intervals. The rainfall activity is being driven by a surface low-pressure system supported by an upper-air extension, creating unstable weather conditions across the region.

Day-by-day forecast

Tuesday, March 10

Partly cloudy to cloudy skies are expected, with rainfall likely in scattered areas. Temperatures will dip slightly, especially in western regions. Winds will be light to moderate, occasionally gusty, while seas in the Arabian Gulf and Oman Sea may become rough at times.

Wednesday, March 11

Cloudy weather will continue with a chance of rain in coastal, northern, and eastern areas.
Humidity levels are expected to increase overnight and early Thursday morning in some locations. Northwesterly to northeasterly winds may reach up to 40 km/h, with rough sea conditions in the Arabian Gulf.

Thursday, March 12

Conditions will remain partly cloudy to cloudy, with scattered showers and cooler temperatures across parts of the UAE. Humidity will increase overnight, and winds may cause blowing dust in some areas. Seas are expected to remain rough in the Arabian Gulf, easing gradually by evening.

Friday, March 13

Light rainfall may occur over islands and some coastal and eastern areas. Temperatures will gradually rise, while humid conditions are expected at night with a chance of morning mist along coastal areas. Winds will be light to moderate, gusting up to 35 km/h, with generally calm seas.

Saturday, March 14

Cloudy skies are forecast, with light rain possible over islands and coastal regions.
Humidity will remain high overnight, increasing the likelihood of fog or mist in coastal areas. Winds will stay light to moderate, and seas will be slight in both the Arabian Gulf and Oman Sea.

Advisory for Residents

Authorities are urging residents to stay updated with official weather alerts and exercise caution during periods of rainfall. Motorists should drive carefully, especially on wet roads and near coastal areas, while seagoers are advised to monitor conditions due to occasional rough seas.

Brace yourselves, the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has forecast unstable weather across the UAE over the coming days, with increasing cloud cover, scattered rainfall and rough sea conditions on the way.

Here’s what residents need to know.

Tuesday night: Clouds and light rain possible

Clouds are expected to start forming Tuesday night, especially over:

• UAE islands
• Western regions

There is a chance of light rainfall in some areas as the weather system begins to build.

Wednesday: Low-pressure system intensifies

By Wednesday, the low-pressure system is forecast to deepen, bringing:

• Increased cloud cover
• Rain across Abu Dhabi
• Showers in inland areas
• Rain spreading to northern and eastern regions

Rainfall is expected to be light to moderate, with occasional heavy showers in some northern and eastern parts of the country.

Clouds are likely to gradually decrease by Thursday night.

Winds to pick up, temperatures to drop

Residents can also expect shifting winds:

• From southeasterly to northwesterly
• Moderate to fresh at times
• Possible blowing dust in open areas

The change in wind direction may also bring cooler temperatures across the country.

Rough seas ahead

Sea conditions will turn unstable:

• The Arabian Gulf will become gradually rough from Tuesday night through Thursday
• The Oman Sea will see slight to moderate waves, becoming rough at times

Residents planning marine activities are advised to exercise caution.

With rain, gusty winds and rough seas forecast, motorists are urged to drive carefully, especially during heavier showers. Outdoor plans midweek may need a backup option.

Stay tuned to official updates from NCM and keep umbrellas handy, the UAE is in for a wet and windy spell.

A powerful cold wave is set to sweep across the UAE this week, bringing heavy rain, gusty winds, rough seas and one of the sharpest temperature drops of the season.

According to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), a surface low-pressure system supported by an upper-level trough and a deep cold air mass will affect the country from Wednesday, March 4, through Thursday, March 5.

Forecasters warn that cold conditions may continue into the weekend. They say this is among the more defined cold spells of the current season. Nights on Thursday and Friday are expected to be particularly chilly.

Another cold wave may follow shortly after, suggesting the cooler pattern could extend beyond just a few days. Marine conditions are also set to deteriorate. Beachgoers and water sports enthusiasts are urged to monitor official marine updates before heading out.

Why is it getting so cold?

Weather models show a strong cold air push into the Arabian Peninsula.

This week and next:

• Daytime highs will fall below seasonal averages
• Nights and early mornings will feel significantly colder

Once the wind shifts from southeasterly to northwesterly, temperatures are expected to drop quickly.

Expected wet days

Rainfall is expected across scattered parts of the country during the Wednesday–Thursday period.

Most active period:

• Thursday night into Friday night
• Peak intensity: Midnight to early morning hours

Northern and eastern regions may see heavier bursts of rain.

Motorists commuting before dawn are advised to drive carefully due to wet roads and possible reduced visibility.

Strong winds and blowing dust

Winds are forecast to strengthen as the system develops.

Expect:

• Moderate to fresh gusts
• Possible strong winds in open areas
• Blowing dust across desert highways
• Sudden drops in visibility inland

Drivers should remain alert, especially outside city centres.

What residents should do

• Check updated forecasts daily
• Drive cautiously during rain and dust
• Avoid sea activities in rough conditions
• Dress warmly during early mornings and nights

What to expect this weekend

The unsettled weather may continue through the weekend, with lingering showers, cooler temperatures and persistent northwesterly winds. Families planning outdoor activities are advised to stay up to date, as conditions may shift.