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Thu, Jan 22, 2026 | Shaban 3, 1447 | Fajr 05:45 | DXB 
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Unstable weather in UAE: Rain, thunder to hit country as temperatures drop drastically
Cloud cover has spread across the country since Friday, ushering in a multi-day weather system set to peak between December 16 and 19
Dubai and several parts of the UAE are bracing for a stretch of unstable weather next week, with residents likely to experience everything from scattered showers to heavy downpours, thunder, hail and a noticeable chill in the air.
Starting Friday, cloud cover will begin to spread across the country, setting the stage for a multi-day weather system that will peak between December 16 and 19.
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Speaking to Khaleej Times on Thursday, Dr Ahmed Habib, meteorologist at the National Center of Meteorology (NCM), said the shift will be driven by multiple systems converging over the region.
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“We expect the UAE to be affected by unstable weather conditions over the next few days. Starting Friday late night, the country will come under the influence of an extension of low pressure from both the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea. This system will push significant amounts of water vapour from the Arabian Sea and the Red Sea towards our region.”
“At the same time, another extension of low pressure in the upper layers of the atmosphere will move from the northern Middle East towards the UAE. Due to this combination, clouds will begin developing over Saudi Arabia on Friday night, gradually moving towards the eastern parts of the UAE by Saturday.”
The veteran meteorologist explained that this combination would trigger early cloud formation inland and at sea before spreading towards coastal and northern regions by Sunday, bringing “varying intensities of rain, from moderate to heavy.”
Scattered showers, shifting winds, dusty conditions
Residents should also expect scattered showers at intervals, as cloud structures evolve across different parts of the country. Winds will shift directions through the weekend, he noted, ranging from south-easterly to north-easterly and sometimes turning north-westerly.
Wind speeds will mostly be light to moderate but could strengthen significantly around convective clouds — the same areas where dust may be kicked up over exposed regions.
Habib highlighted that the northern emirates will see pronounced rainfall over the weekend.
“Saturday and Sunday will particularly see rainfall over the northern parts of the UAE. Following this, another upper-air low-pressure system will develop. A cold air mass moving from northern Saudi Arabia towards our region in the upper levels will increase atmospheric instability.”
“As a result, from the nights of December 15 to 19, clouds and rainfall are expected across almost the entire country.”
He stressed that the next weather cycle, which peaks between December 16 and 19, will be felt nationwide — including major cities.
“This time rainfall will be experienced in places like Abu Dhabi and Dubai as well.”
“However, the northern and eastern parts of the UAE typically experience stronger local effects, so rainfall there may be more intense, with chances of thunder and even hail associated with convective clouds,” he said. “We also expect fresh to strong winds at times, especially over the sea, making conditions rough. Fishermen and those near coastal areas should exercise caution and avoid risky zones.”
Authorities therefore advise the public to follow official updates, avoid low-visibility zones, and exercise caution near the sea as the country prepares for a noticeably wet and windy week.
Temperatures set to drop as winter air settles in
Apart from rain and thunder, residents will notice a clear drop in temperatures, indicating the UAE’s shift towards winter.
“December 14 and 15 will see a noticeable decline in temperatures. Again, on the 16th and 17th, due to cloud cover, temperatures will remain lower.”
“Daytime temperatures may fall to around 26°C to 27°C, while nighttime temperatures could drop to between 12°C and 15°C..”
Nandini Sircar
Nandini Sircar has a penchant for education, space, and women's narratives. She views the world through a prism of learning: whether it's the earthly pursuit of wisdom or the unearthly mysteries of space. In her written universe, women and children take centre stage.
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