DUBAI: After a long, warm autumn, the UAE is heading into a spell of cooler, unsettled weather, with rain forecast for parts of the country and rough conditions at sea.
Today’s conditions
The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) expects partly cloudy to cloudy skies on Tuesday, with a chance of rainfall over the islands and some coastal, northern and western areas, along with a fall in temperatures.
Highs are easing. Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain are forecast to reach 34°C, while Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Ajman and Ras Al Khaimah should peak at 33°C. Sharjah will be the coolest emirate at 32°C. Overnight lows range from the high teens in Umm Al Quwain to 26°C in Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah, with Dubai at 25°C.
Rough seas along the Gulf coast
The sea is the main concern today. The Arabian Gulf is expected to be rough to very rough at times, with waves reaching about nine feet offshore, and residents in Abu Dhabi and Dubai have been advised to avoid the beach. Swimmers, paddleboarders and small-boat operators are the most exposed when conditions deteriorate quickly, and rough seas can also create dangerous rip currents close to shore.
A wetter week ahead
The pattern is expected to continue. According to the NCM, rain is forecast for Dubai and Abu Dhabi on Wednesday and Thursday, while Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah and Fujairah are due to see wet weather starting Tuesday.
Temperatures will keep sliding. Dubai’s daytime highs are expected to fall from 34°C on Monday to 29°C by Friday, while Abu Dhabi cools from a peak of 35°C on Monday to about 32°C by the weekend. The National separately reported that readings in Abu Dhabi and Dubai could dip below 30°C as the system moves through.
Wind, dust and visibility
Rain is only part of the picture. Winds of up to 45 km/h are forecast in exposed areas, and they are likely to lift dust and sand. That combination can reduce visibility on highways, particularly in open desert stretches and along coastal roads. Motorists are generally advised to slow down, leave extra distance and keep headlights on in low visibility, and to avoid wadis and low-lying areas when rain is expected.
A season of changeable weather
The northern emirates have already had a taste of volatile conditions. Recent weeks brought localised heavy rainfall, thick fog and hail to parts of the region, according to Arabian Business. That fits a familiar seasonal shift. November historically marks the arrival of milder weather across the country.
For residents, the change is welcome after months of intense heat, and it opens the door to outdoor plans that have been hard to manage since spring. It also brings the usual practical adjustments: lighter jackets in the evening, more careful driving and a closer eye on official forecasts.
What residents should do
Follow the NCM’s updates and any alerts from local authorities, especially if travelling between emirates or heading to the coast. Parents may want to check with schools about any changes to outdoor activities, and anyone planning a beach day should consider postponing until the sea calms.
The forecast could shift as the system develops, so conditions on Wednesday and Thursday are worth checking again before heading out.
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