More rain forecast in UAE next week after record deluge

National weather centre predicts further rainfall on Monday and Tuesday - but at milder levels than in previous days

Persistent flooding along the D65 exit from Sheikh Zayed road leading into Al Quoz. Antonie Robertson / The National

Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority said delays were expected as work continues to clear roads of excess water. Antonie Robertson / The National

Many drivers had no choice but to abandon their waterlogged vehicles and take their chances on foot due to the record rainfall. Antonie Robertson / The National

The UAE was hit by more rain this week than it would expect to receive in more than a year, official figures revealed. Antonie Robertson / The National

Standing water is removed in Dubai after a major storm. Antonie Robertson / The National

Many cars were abandoned in Dubai due to the flooding. Antonie Robertson / The National

Clear skies were recorded the day after the storm. Antonie Robertson / The National

There was significant damage in parts of Dubai. Antonie Robertson / The National

The aftermath of heavy flooding in Dubai, with debris and abandoned cars on the street. Antonie Robertson / The National

Some roads remained waterlogged in parts of Dubai after the storm. Antonie Robertson / The National

Children play with their bicycles along a waterlogged street in Dubai's Al Furjan district. Pawan Singh / The National

Workers cut a tree uprooted by heavy rains on Tuesday in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National

Water is drained from a flooded road in Al Furjan after the storm. Pawan Singh / The National

A flooded street in Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi, after the rain. Victor Besa / The National

Heavy rain in Dubai made parts of Sheikh Zayed Road impassable. Antonie Robertson/The National

The storm left cars marooned on flooded streets. Antonie Robertson/ The National

Many areas became impassable due to the flooding. Antonie Robertson / The National

Drivers abandoned their cars at the side of roads amid high floodwaters. Antonie Robertson/ The National

People attempt to navigate the floodwaters in Dubai. Antonie Robertson/The National

A flooded section of road near Sheikh Zayed motorway after heavy rain. Antonie Robertson / The National

People in Dubai walk from their cars after high floodwaters made the road impassable. Antonie Robertson / The National

A partially submerged car following the heavy rain. Antonie Robertson/The National

Recovery work gets under way after the rain in central Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

Large puddles and areas of water in Al Bandar in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

Work begins after the rain in central Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

Recovery work gets under way in Khalifa City in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

Some minor damage in Khalifa City in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

A man washes away debris after the rain in Khalifa City in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

Work gets under way after heavy rain hit Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

Passengers check flight information on screens at the Dubai International Airport. AFP

A worker cuts through a downed tree with a chainsaw after a major storm in Dubai. AP

A car drives through floodwaters in Dubai. AP

Live updates: Follow the latest on UAE weather

The UAE is braced for more wet weather next week after being lashed by record rainfall in devastating storms on Tuesday.

The National Centre of Meteorology said there was a prospect of light rain on Monday evening, followed by further rain over parts of the Emirates the following day.

The Windy weather app shows rain largely concentrated over Dubai, projecting more wet weather and possible thunder in areas of the emirate on Tuesday.

In its latest five-day bulletin, the NCM said that Tuesday would be “cloudy at times with a chance of rainfall over scattered areas of the country, with a decrease in temperatures over some coastal areas”.

Expert says milder weather expected

A NCM weather expert said the rainfall will not approach the severity of the storms this week.

“We are looking at a series of medium clouds mainly from the west that are not heavily saturated with water vapour,” said Dr Ahmad Habib, senior meteorologist at the NCM.

“This will result in light to medium rainfall, primarily affecting the eastern regions near the mountains. Some isolated areas might experience heavier showers.

“This upcoming situation is very mild compared to what we experienced recently. It certainly will not reach the severe intensity of the last depression.”

These forecasts come as authorities embark on a mammoth clean-up operation after the storms.

Homes and roads have been flooded, partly submerged cars abandoned on motorways and flights cancelled, delayed and diverted.

The UAE on Tuesday experienced its largest single day of rainfall in the 75 years since records began in 1949.

NCM data, which covered a 24-hour period until 9pm on Tuesday, showed a 254mm of rain fell in one area of Al Ain – the equivalent of about two years' worth of average rainfall in the UAE.

The NCM said the persistent downpours were an “exceptional event in the UAE's climate history since the start of recording climate data”.

An Emirati driver died during flash floods on Tuesday in Ras Al Khaimah.

The man, who was in his seventies, died when his vehicle was swept away by strong currents during treacherous weather in Ras Al Khaimah.

Other people have had to leave their homes, as flash floods caused damage to property and led to power cuts.

Both government and private schools have switched to distance learning this week as a safety precaution.

Public sector staff were directed to work from home, while private sector companies were encouraged to allow employees to do the same.

A number of flooded roads have reopened – fully and partially – but drivers still face significant delays amid efforts to clear excess water.