UAE weather: Orange, yellow alerts issued for heavy rains; lightning, hail likely

The United Arab Emirates is experiencing continued unstable weather conditions as a low-pressure system advances westward across the region. The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has issued orange and yellow weather alerts warning residents of potentially hazardous conditions through Friday afternoon.

Meteorological authorities indicate convective cloud formations are generating substantial precipitation over western and coastal areas, including Fujairah. These weather patterns are accompanied by strong winds reaching velocities up to 40 kilometers per hour, creating blowing dust and sand that significantly reduce horizontal visibility.

The orange alert remains active until 1:40 PM local time, with the yellow alert extending until 4:00 PM. Meteorological experts warn that certain regions may experience lightning storms, thunder, and hail in addition to the precipitation.

Temperatures across the Emirates have dropped considerably, with Abu Dhabi recording temperatures between 17°C and 22°C, Dubai experiencing 16°C to 23°C, and Sharjah ranging from 15°C to 21°C. The combination of precipitation and temperature drop creates unusually cool conditions for the region.

Maritime conditions have also deteriorated, with the Arabian Gulf experiencing wave heights up to 6 feet until 4:00 PM. The Oman Sea is similarly affected with rough sea conditions expected to continue throughout the weather event. Residents are advised to exercise caution and stay updated through official channels as the situation develops.