UAE weather: Dubai and Abu Dhabi lashed by rain and sandstorms

Rain lashed parts of Dubai and Abu Dhabi on Tuesday afternoon.

Heavy rain fell on the desert regions of Lahbab, Marmoom and Al Qudra in Dubai, as well in the south of the country near Sweihan and Al Ain in Abu Dhabi, Al Dhaid in Sharjah and Shawka in Ras Al Khaimah.

Further north, moderate rain hit Al Awir and Al Khawaneej in Dubai and Al Soyouh in Sharjah.

Dust and sand darkened skies over the coast and inland areas experienced winds that reached 45 kilometres per hour.

The National Centre of Meteorology warned that visibility would be reduced, especially in Al Ain and western regions of Abu Dhabi until 10pm on Tuesday evening.

Temperatures will drop into the 30s on Tuesday evening in parts of the country, hitting 34°C in Ras Al Khaimah and 38°C on the east coast.

On Wednesday, low clouds will gather on the east coast and convective clouds will form over the east and south of the country by the afternoon.

Winds could reach 42kph and the sea will be rough in the Gulf on Thursday afternoon.

Skies will be partly cloudy this weekend, with dust storms on Friday and Saturday and winds of up to 40kph.

The lowest recorded temperature today was on Jebel Jais in Ras Al Khaimah at 3.15am, when it reached 26°C.