UAE weather: Dubai hit by heavy rain, hail and thunder

Dubai Police urge drivers to take care on the roads after downpours reported across emirate

A person takes cover from heavy rain at the Sevens Stadium in Dubai on Monday. Photo: Antonie Robertson / The National

Police have urged motorists in Dubai to drive safely as rain fell across the emirate on Monday afternoon. Amber and yellow alerts were issued by the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) calling for people to be aware of hazardous weather and to follow safety advice issued by the authorities.

Heavy rain was reported in the Emirates Road, Arabian Ranches, Al Twar and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Road areas of the city. "Due to the current rainfall, we urge all road users in Dubai to drive cautiously and stay up to date with the latest weather conditions from official sources," Dubai Police wrote on X.

The alert from the NCM will remain in place until 9pm on Monday. Thunder could also be heard in parts of Dubai.

People in Abu Dhabi were also urged to exercise caution during unstable weather, which is expected to persist until Tuesday. Abu Dhabi Media Office urged members of the public to "adhere to modified speed limits, avoid valleys, carry first aid kits and prepare alternative light sources" in the event of adverse conditions in a message on social media.

The notice stated that Abu Dhabi had experienced "light to moderate rainfall" on Monday, while "moderate to intense" rainfall was recorded in both Al Ain and Al Dhafra. The media office said more rain was expected in Al Ain on Tuesday.

The NCM, in its latest five-day weather bulletin, said more unsettled conditions were in prospect this week. The weather centre forecasts possible rainfall on Tuesday in eastern and southern areas of the country. Fog is expected to form over some internal and coastal areas on both Thursday and Friday.