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Watch: Heavy rains lash parts of UAE as peak summer temperatures to dip
The lowest temperature recorded today was 26.9ºC in Ras Al Khaimah's Jebel Jais
- PUBLISHED: Sun 23 Aug 2026, 5:36 PM
Heavy rains lashed parts of UAE on Sunday, August 23, as the country experiences shifting weather amid peak summer heat.
The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) issued orange and yellow alerts in parts of the country for rains until 10pm today. Residents have been warned to be on the lookout in case of outdoor activities and be alert of expected hazardous weather conditions.
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Videos shared by the Storm Centre show heavy rains lashing the Sa'a area in the city of Al Ain. The footage showed showers accompanied by strong winds in the desert.
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— ٠رÙز اÙعاصÙØ© (@Storm_centre) August 23, 2026
Another clip shows streams flowing due to rising water pressure in the mountains areas of the emirate.
Meanwhile, the highest temperature recorded over the country today was 49.3°C in Sweihan (Al Ain) at 2.30pm. The lowest temperature was 26.9ºC in Ras Al Khaimah's Jebel Jais.
Residents are urged to follow weather forecasts via official channels and be ready to comply with instructions issued by relevant authorities. They are also advised to refrain from spreading rumours and follow NCM's official reports.
Recent rains in Abu Dhabi
Recent weather conditions in Abu Dhabi have prompted precautionary measures across the capital. Abu Dhabi City Municipality temporarily closed all parks, recreational facilities and affiliated beaches and suspended events until further notice.
The municipality said the measures were taken as a precaution to protect residents and ensure public safety amid fluctuating weather and heavy rainfall in several parts of Abu Dhabi.
Why is UAE witnessing rain during summer peak?
Weather systems in the region are drawing moisture from the Sea of Oman. Combined with rising temperatures and the influence of the eastern mountains, this is expected to produce local convective clouds over parts of the country, particularly during the afternoon. The clouds could bring rainfall of varying intensity, the NCM said.
The weather in the UAE will be affected by an extension of surface low-pressure system from the east will affect weather conditions. In addition, the weather will be impacted by an extension of a weak upper-air low-pressure system.
Summer temperatures to dip
Temperatures are set to dip with the Suhail star rising on August 24. It's believed that once the Suhail star, also known as the 'Star of Yemen', is observed, a 40-day transition period occurs during which the weather shifts from extreme heat to cooler temperatures. This phase is commonly called 'Sufriya.'
The NCM earlier told Khaleej Times that cloud-seeding flights had been conducted whenever suitable clouds were detected during the previous rainy spell.
The centre explained that intense summer heat encourages convective cloud development through surface heating, but heat alone does not produce rain. Moisture, humid air masses, atmospheric instability, upper-air troughs and favourable winds must also be present. When these elements align, thunderstorms and rainfall can develop even as temperatures approach 50°C.
