UAE residents woke up to a chilly surprise on Friday morning, with heavy rain, strong winds, and lightning striking several regions across the country. As the UAE experiences its coldest day yet this winter, temperatures have dipped to record lows, and the weather conditions are creating some challenges for motorists and commuters. From rain-soaked streets in Dubai to chilly mountain peaks, here’s a breakdown of the weather event and its impact across the Emirates.

Rainy Weather Across the UAE

On Friday, December 31, 2023, heavy rainfall hit many parts of the UAE, including major cities like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah. In Dubai, areas such as Umm Suqeim, Jumeirah, Al Safa, and Al Jaddaf saw rain showers as the day began. The rain caused water to accumulate on the streets, prompting workers to use water tankers to clear the runoff near Mirdif and Al Warqa mosque. In the Hassyan area, heavy rain continued into the afternoon, further dampening the streets of the city.

Abu Dhabi also experienced its fair share of rainfall, with heavy showers reported in Ghanadhah and Mohamed Bin Zayed City. The rain was accompanied by strong winds, particularly in Al Ghadeer, where trees were seen swaying in the gusty conditions. The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) issued weather warnings for these areas, urging residents to remain cautious in such weather conditions.

Cold Weather and Snowfall in the Mountains

While the rain affected urban areas, the weather turned even colder in the mountains, with the temperature in Ras Al Khaimah’s Jebel Jais reaching a record low of 2.2°C at 6:45 AM. This marked the coldest day of the winter season so far, sending temperatures plunging in mountainous regions. This sudden drop in temperature combined with the rain made for a particularly cold and damp morning in the UAE’s northern regions.

Caution for Motorists

The heavy rain and slippery conditions have caused travel disruptions, and authorities have urged motorists to be extra cautious while driving. The Dubai Police issued a reminder to drive slower, use low-beam headlights, and ensure that windshield wipers are in good working condition. Similarly, Abu Dhabi Police advised drivers to follow reduced speed limits and pay close attention to electronic information boards displaying traffic alerts.

In addition to the rain, the weather has been accompanied by light to moderate winds blowing from the northwest to northeast, causing blowing dust in some areas. Winds have been recorded at speeds of 15-30 km/h, gusting up to 40 km/h at times.

Upcoming Weather Conditions

The weather is expected to remain partly cloudy to cloudy, with some northern, eastern, and coastal regions continuing to experience rain. The NCM has also warned of fog and mist formation in certain internal areas of the UAE, especially during the night and into Saturday morning. Those planning early-morning travel should prepare for reduced visibility in some parts of the country.

The sea will be rough to moderate in the Arabian Gulf, while the Oman Sea will remain moderate to slight. Residents and visitors are advised to exercise caution, especially in coastal areas where sea conditions could be hazardous.