The UAE is set for five days of unsettled weather, with rain possible in several areas, winds reaching up to 50km/h and blowing dust, and inland temperatures forecast to hit 42°C, according to the National Center of Meteorology (NCM). The NCM said the pattern would last across the country through Friday.
The conditions are being driven by a surface low-pressure extension combined with an upper-air low-pressure system, the NCM said. Afternoon convective clouds over eastern and southern areas may produce rain, while fog or mist could form in some coastal areas overnight into Tuesday morning.
Rain and cloud build-up
Rain chances are expected to persist on Tuesday and Wednesday as convective clouds spread inland and westward, the NCM said. Thursday should bring partly cloudy skies with clouds over eastern and western areas and the possibility of rain.
Friday is forecast to be fair to partly cloudy, turning cloudy at times in the east and west. The NCM said the Arabian Gulf and the Sea of Oman should remain slight throughout the forecast period.
The pattern is typical of convective activity, in which afternoon heating builds clouds that can release localized rain. The NCM's outlook covers the whole country, meaning conditions can vary widely from one emirate to another on the same day.
Winds and dust
Winds may reach 50km/h during the period, lifting dust and reducing visibility, according to the NCM. On Tuesday and Wednesday, winds could strengthen to that level on both days.
By Thursday, winds may reach 40km/h with blowing dust, while Friday could see winds of up to 35km/h. In mountainous areas, winds could hit 45km/h, with inland areas at 40km/h and coastal areas at 35km/h.
Blowing dust is a familiar hazard in the UAE, particularly during seasonal transitions when strong winds pick up loose sand from open ground. Reduced visibility can affect road travel and outdoor activity, and the NCM's figures suggest gusts strong enough to create localized dusty conditions.
Heat and fog
Inland temperatures are forecast to reach 42°C, while coastal areas and islands should see between 34°C and 39°C. Mountainous regions are expected to range between 28°C and 33°C.
Fog or mist may form in some coastal areas overnight into Tuesday morning. The NCM also said fog or mist is possible over some western coastal areas overnight into Saturday morning.
Fog is a recurring feature of the UAE's cooler nights and mornings, when moist air near the coast condenses. It can cut visibility sharply on coastal roads and near airports, and the NCM's outlook flags two separate windows when it may develop.
What it means for residents and businesses
For residents, the main practical points are the chance of rain, gusty winds that can raise dust, and fog on two mornings. Drivers may face reduced visibility from blowing dust during the day and from fog overnight and early morning, particularly in coastal and western areas.
Outdoor workers and anyone spending time outside should note the forecast inland high of 42°C, while coastal and island areas are expected to be somewhat cooler. Businesses that depend on outdoor operations, transport and logistics may need to plan around the windier days, when dust could affect visibility and conditions.
The NCM's five-day outlook suggests a mixed week rather than a single settled pattern, with rain chances, dust and heat all appearing in the forecast. The relatively slight state of the Arabian Gulf and the Sea of Oman, as described by the NCM, indicates that marine conditions are not expected to be a major concern during this period.