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Hearing thunder? UAE clarifies sounds, says alerts will be sent in case of threats
What residents are hearing is due to current weather conditions, including thunder and officials stressed that such noises are 'normal and expected'
- PUBLISHED: Mon 23 Mar 2026, 9:53 AM
[Editor's Note: Follow Khaleej Times live blog amid US-Israel-Iran war for the latest regional developments.]
UAE residents have reported rolling thunder, loud sounds, and visible lightning since the early hours of Monday, with heavy rainfall affecting parts of the country. Authorities have since reassured the public that the sounds are linked to unstable weather in the UAE and normal activity during such conditions.
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The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) issued a clarification that the sounds heard were consistent with current weather conditions, including thunder, and stressed that such noises are “normal and expected” in these circumstances.
The authority stressed that, in case of any real threat, warnings would be issued immediately through the national early warning system to ensure public safety. This reassurance comes as residents hear loud booms when the country's air defences intercept Iranian aerial threats in the backdrop of heightened regional tensions.
The NCEMA urged the public to rely only on verified information from official sources and to refrain from circulating fake news.
Unstable weather conditions
Rainfall is expected to affect different parts of the UAE over the coming days, shifting across regions, according to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM).
The weather conditions will be characterised by convective cloud development, bringing intermittent showers of varying intensity across the region. Morning rain episodes are expected to temporarily ease, but renewed shower activity is forecast by midday, with systems moving in from the Arabian Gulf affecting areas from Abu Dhabi through to northern Dubai.
Some of these showers may become heavy and thundery at times before gradually shifting westward into the evening. Wind conditions are expected to be variable, with speeds reaching up to 50 km/h in some areas. These winds may also generate dust haze, further reducing horizontal visibility across road networks and open areas. Sea conditions across the Arabian Gulf and Sea of Oman are expected to remain light to moderate, though authorities have advised caution.
In case of weather-related emergency
In response, multiple government bodies have issued public safety advisories. Residents are urged to contact following emergency services when needed:
Dubai Police: 999
Abu Dhabi Police: 999
Ambulance (UAE-wide in many emirates): 998
Civil Defence: 997
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority: 991
Roads and Transport Authority (Dubai): 800 9090
Dubai Municipality: 800 900
Dubai Health: 800 60
The Dubai Civil Defence and other emergency and utility services remain on alert, advising residents to stay informed through official channels and avoid unnecessary risk during the unstable weather period.
Ajanta Paul is a Senior Editor on the Digital team. A natural leader and newshound, she thrives in breaking news and high-pressure situations — and enjoys reporting on community issues that matter to UAE residents.