UAE Prepares For Heavy Rainfall And Severe Weather Conditions This Weekend

The UAE is bracing for a bout of severe weather conditions starting from Friday evening, March 8th, until noon on Sunday, March 10th. The forecast predicts heavy rainfall, lightning, thunder, and occasional hailstorms. This announcement came from a joint media briefing by the National Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA), the Ministry of Interior (MoI), and the National Centre for Meteorology (NCM).

In light of the expected adverse weather, some UAE schools will transition to remote learning as a precautionary measure. This decision will be made by the emergency and crisis management teams in each of the affected emirates. The briefing highlighted the necessity for residents to take appropriate precautions and avoid areas known for flooding.

Fahad Butti Al Muhairi, spokesperson for NCEMA, emphasized the importance of cooperation with authorities and adherence to safety instructions. He advised securing vehicles and exercising caution, especially in areas anticipated to experience heavy rain and hail.

Dr Ali Al Tunaiji, representing the Ministry of Interior, assured the public of their full preparedness to handle any emergencies that may arise due to the weather conditions. He stressed that police teams and strategic partners, including civil defence and rescue services, are ready to ensure the safety of everyone.

Dr Mohamed Al Abri from the NCM explained that a low-pressure system extending southward would bring humid south-easterly winds. This system is expected to interact with a cold air mass aloft, leading to variable cloud cover and a period of atmospheric instability. The resultant heavy precipitation could cause flash flooding, overflowing waterways, and potential dam overflows. Strong winds during thunderstorms may also significantly reduce visibility and cause unsecured objects to become airborne.

Al Tunaiji also cautioned against gatherings that could hinder the work of emergency services, warning of legal consequences for non-compliance with official directives. The briefing clarified that decisions regarding remote learning and event cancellations are at the discretion of local emergency management teams.

All roads leading to valleys, mountains, and hazardous areas will be closed from Friday until the end of the weather conditions. While the severe weather is expected to start in the Southern and Western regions, including Al Dhafra and Al Ain through Abu Dhabi and surrounding areas, it will later expand to Dubai and inner regions between Dubai and Al Ain. Eventually, it will reach Northern regions including Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Qaiwan, Fujairah, and Ras Al Khaimah.

The fluctuating weather condition is anticipated to gradually decrease by Sunday evening and night but will remain within the Eastern regions zone. Residents are urged to stay informed through official channels and adhere strictly to safety guidelines issued by authorities.

With inputs from WAM