UAE Residents Brace for Rapid Weather Shifts Amid Transition Period

UAE residents should be ready for swift weather changes over the coming days as the country continues its seasonal transition from summer to autumn. Following heavy downpours and thunderstorms on Monday, the intensity of rainfall is expected to ease as the week progresses, according to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM).

Dr. Ahmed Habib, a climate expert from the NCM, explained that the recent downpour was triggered by a low-pressure system moving from the southeast, bringing significant moisture from the Arabian Sea. “This moisture led to the formation of convective clouds, resulting in widespread rainfall, particularly during the daytime. However, the system will gradually shift southward, and moisture levels will reduce, leading to less intense rain,” Dr. Habib said.

Although the rainy weather extended to Dubai on Monday, it will primarily affect southern areas, including Al Ain and regions around Madinat Zayed in Al Dhafra in the coming days. Additionally, rain is forecasted for the mountainous areas near Fujairah.

Dr. Habib emphasized that rapid and unpredictable weather changes are common during the transition period between seasons. “One day you may have stable weather, and the next, sudden cloud cover and rain,” he explained. Over the past days, the UAE has experienced fog, followed by thunderstorms, highlighting the swift shifts between stable and unstable weather conditions.

From Tuesday, the UAE will also experience northwesterly winds, which will gradually weaken, concentrating cloud formation in the southern regions. As the transition from autumn to winter continues, temperatures are expected to fluctuate due to uneven heating of the Earth’s surface.

“September marks the end of summer in the UAE, and while daytime temperatures may remain warm, nights are becoming cooler,” Dr. Habib noted. He added that temperatures will not drop significantly without cloud cover, as alterations in air masses are necessary to cause substantial changes. A shift in the air mass is expected on Friday, influenced by northwesterly winds, which may bring cooler temperatures.

This transition period, characterized by fluctuating weather patterns, is typical in both autumn and spring, with rain being a common occurrence as the weather shifts from stable to unstable. Residents are advised to stay prepared for these rapid changes in conditions.