Dubai and Northern Emirates hit by heavy rain, with more wet weather on the way

Rain fell for the first time in months

Rain fell unexpectedly in Dubai on Tuesday after months of dry conditions. More is forecast for Wednesday. Photos: Antonie Robertson / The National

Cars struggle to make their way through rising waters in the World Trade Centre area.

Rain quickly waterlogged the roads around Dubai's World Trade Centre.

Office workers take cover, with not a raincoat in sight.

People sought shelter in a country where umbrellas and raincoats are almost unheard of.

Although rain is common in the Northern Emirates and on the east coast, Dubai and Abu Dhabi are dry for much of the year.

Around this time of year, the faithful attend mosques to pray for rain, which helps the country's food production industry.

Stepping lightly through a puddle on Tuesday afternoon.

Rain fell in parts of Dubai and the Northern Emirates on Tuesday after months of bone dry conditions.

The downpours were heaviest in Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah.

As is often the case in Dubai - which is nearly 40km long - there were afternoon showers at the Sharjah end of town while the Marina in the south was dry.

The National Centre of Meteorology said more unsettled weather can be expected on Wednesday.

Forecasters predicted lower temperatures, with a chance of fog and mist in the coming days. It will be humid at night.

NCM videos showed water flowing down in wadis in the Masafi area of Ras Al Khaimah.

Residents took to social media to share their rain videos.

Weather will be fair to partly cloudy on Thursday and some cloud is expected farther inland.

One video showed two men in Khor Fakkan on the east coast dancing in the rain with umbrellas.

Forecasters said it will be partly cloudy and humid with a chance of fog on Friday night into Saturday.

On Tuesday morning, a low of 12°C was recorded in Jebel Jais in Ras Al Khaimah and a high of 33°C in Swaihan in Al Ain.

The maximum temperature will be in the high 20s and low 30s all week in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.