Heavy rain in Dubai and Sharjah as UAE weather alert issued

Public warned hazardous weather could continue until early evening

Heavy rain in Al Quoz, Dubai, earlier this month. The UAE has experienced wet weather in recent weeks. Chris Whiteoak/ The National

Latest: Low cloud and high humidity with rain on horizon

Heavy rain lashed parts of Dubai and Sharjah on Friday afternoon as an alert was issued over the prospect of “hazardous weather” stretching into the evening.

The National Centre of Meteorology shared footage of motorists driving through stormy conditions amid downpours in Sharjah.

More video clips from the forecaster from across the Emirates showed dark skies as rain poured down and gusts of wind swept in.

The NCM said heavy rain was recorded in the Nazwa area of Sharjah shortly before 2pm.

It said there was further heavy rainfall on Emirates Road in Dubai at 2.26pm and more wet weather in Expo City Dubai.

There was more rain in Ras Al Khaimah and Umm Al Quwain earlier in the afternoon.

The forecast issued a notice calling for people in parts of Dubai and Sharjah to be on alert over the wet weather.

The NCM said the unsettled weather could continue until 7pm. Members of the public were asked to follow safety advice issued by authorities.

The UAE has experienced a number of rainy days during an unusual start to the summer months.

Last week, thunder was heard rumbling in Abu Dhabi and rain fell in the suburbs as the unsettled summer weather continued. Low clouds hung over the capital, Dubai and the Northern Emirates.

In Baniyas, a suburb of the capital to the south, there was heavy rain which followed a downpour in Al Ain on Tuesday. In Ghantoot, there were reports of heavy flooding.

Wet weekend in store

The UAE is braced for more rainfall at the weekend. In its five-day weather bulletin, the NCM said there was a chance of further rainfall on Saturday on Sunday in eastern and southern parts of the Emirates.

Windy conditions could lead to dust and sandstorms on both days.

The unsettled weather could extend to Monday, with a drop in temperatures expected to be accompanied by more spells of rain and possible dust and sandstorms.

Rain in the UAE — in pictures