Dubai hit by heavy rain as UAE weather alert is issued

The UAE is braced for at least two more days of wet weather after rain swept across the country on Monday.

Motorists were urged to drive only if “absolutely necessary” as heavy rain lashed Dubai and Sharjah under overcast skies throughout the afternoon.

There were further downpours recorded in Abu Dhabi and across the rest of the Northern Emirates as a soggy end to 2022 continued.

The National Centre of Meteorology issued a yellow alert for large parts of the Emirates, calling for people to “be aware” of the wet weather.

The weather centre shared a safety notice on social media calling for people planning to travel by road to be vigilant.

It advised people to avoid getting behind the wheel if possible, but if necessary they should “drive with caution and remain vigilant and alert to ensure the safety of all road users”.

Drivers were asked to “turn on low-beam headlights when visibility is reduced” and to follow weather forecasts and comply with directives from authorities.

The NCM later on Monday advised those in the north of the country to be on their guard during the hazardous weather conditions.

"Precautions should be taken in case of heavy rain over some northern areas," the NCM said on its Twitter account.

The centre said people were "advised to stay away from areas of flash floods and accumulated rain."

The NCM shared footage of pools of water forming on roads and wadis.

Abu Dhabi Police had called on drivers to be careful in the rain, in a post on social media on Monday morning.

The force asked motorists to abide by varying speed limits displayed on electronic road signs.

More rainfall and cloudy weather is forecast for much of the country on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Temperatures are set to remain at about 25° in Abu Dhabi and Dubai on both days, dropping below 20° in the evenings.

The NCM said rainfall will give way to dry conditions on Thursday and Friday, but there is the prospect of fog forming in the mornings.