UAE weather: Safety alert in Abu Dhabi with rain and thunder expected across country this week

National Centre of Meteorology forecasts unstable conditions until Wednesday

People in Abu Dhabi have been asked to care during rainfall affecting much of the country this week. Victor Besa / The National

A weather alert has been issued as the UAE braces for heavy rain, thunder and lightning in the first half of the week.

The National Centre of Meteorology said the unstable conditions were likely to affect some parts of the country until Wednesday.

The NCM said more rain was likely from noon until 9pm on Tuesday, with Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah set to bear the brunt of the worst of the weather. People in those Emirates were urged to take care during "hazardous weather events".

Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi Media Office called on the public to exercise caution during spells of wet weather in the next three days. It said light to moderate rainfall was expected in the emirate, particularly in internal areas, from Monday to Wednesday, in a notice shared on social media.

It said heavy rainfall could be in prospect in Al Ain during the same period, accompanied by strong winds. Light to moderate rainfall and strong winds are projected for the large desert area of Al Dhafra.

The media office asked people to “adhere to modified speed limits, avoid valleys, carry first aid kits and prepare alternative light sources” in anticipation of hazardous conditions.

The weather centre said there was a chance of rain, ranging from light to heavy, in eastern, southern and northern areas until Wednesday, as well as thunder and lightning. Strong winds sweeping the Emirates could cause dusty conditions and reduce visibility. Heavy rain was reported in areas of Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah, Ajman and Umm Al Quwain on Monday afternoon.

The NCM's online weather map shows conditions are expected to remain dry in Dubai. Despite the wet weather on its way, temperatures will remain high in the UAE this week. The temperature is set to reach 39°C in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai on Monday and Tuesday before dropping slightly on Wednesday.