UAE weather: cool but dry F1 race weekend with rain due on Monday

Satellite imagery shows a weather system moving towards the UAE by Monday morning

A screen grab from Windy.com shows rain could be on its way - but only after the Formula One weekend is over. Courtesy Windy

The tens of thousands of fans descending on Yas Island to attend Abu Dhabi Grand Prix over the next three days will be relieved to know that the weather is expected to be sunny yet pleasantly cool.

Earlier concerns of a wet final race of the Formula One season were dispelled on Friday as promises of "fair to partly cloudy skies at times" replaced reports of potential rain.

Residents in the Northern Emirates could yet see some rain but conditions will be dry on the Yas Marina Circuit until the race is over, according to reports from the National Centre of Meteorology and Seismology.

On Friday, temperatures will range between 20°C and 28°C along the country's coasts - including in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

Winds of up to 38kph at times will keep conditions pleasantly cool though fans attending free practice sessions are advised to bring hats.

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By the evening, humidity will increase to a maximum of 95 per cent so those planning to watch The Weeknd perform should also bring a jumper as a late night chill sets in over the du Arena.

The lowest temperature recorded on Friday morning was 12°C at the UAE’s highest mountain Jebel Jais, in Ras Al Khaimah.

Similar conditions are expected on Saturday, though cloud cover is expected to increase, dropping temperatures slightly.

Humidity will remain high overnight, leading to potential fog in the early mornings — particularly in the Al Dhafra of Abu Dhabi.

By Sunday, the day of the race, a weather system forming above Iran will begin to gather pace over the Arabian Gulf and travel south-east, reaching the UAE's west coast on Monday morning.

For those forgoing F1 festivities, choosing to head to the beach instead: forecasters expect sea conditions to be moderate to rough in the Arabian Gulf and Sea of Oman Sea.

Residents are advised to only swim when a green flag — indicating safe conditions — is being flown.