The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has warned of unstable weather conditions across parts of the UAE until Thursday, with forecasts pointing to rain, thunderstorms and dust storms in some areas.
The unsettled spell is linked to the movement of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) – a belt of low pressure that causes warm, moist air to rise, often resulting in thunderstorms, heavy rainfall and cloudy skies. The ITCZ is currently extending northwards over the Arabian Peninsula, drawing moist air from the Arabian Sea and the Sea of Oman into the country.
Rain, thunder and rising temperatures
Daytime temperatures are expected to rise in the coming days. However, the NCM said the combination of heat and humidity, particularly over the eastern mountain ranges, will lead to the formation of convective clouds. These clouds are likely to produce rainfall of varying intensity, at times accompanied by lightning and thunder.
The weather activity will primarily affect eastern and southern areas, but may extend into internal regions during the forecast period.
Strong winds and dust
The NCM warned that southeasterly to northeasterly winds will blow across the country, ranging from moderate to fresh, and may become strong in areas experiencing convective cloud activity. These gusts could raise dust and sand, reducing horizontal visibility in some parts.
Residents are advised to exercise caution, particularly on roads in areas where dust storms or rainfall reduce visibility.
Sea conditions
Despite the unsettled weather on land, sea conditions in both the Arabian Gulf and the Sea of Oman are expected to remain slight to moderate, according to the forecast.
Seasonal weather pattern
The ITCZ is a narrow belt of low pressure near the equator where winds from both hemispheres converge, often leading to unstable conditions, thunderstorms, and heavy rain. Its northward extension towards the UAE during the summer months is not unusual, but it can bring short periods of intense weather activity.
The NCM said it would continue to monitor developments and urged the public to follow official updates and avoid spreading unverified weather reports on social media.
