UAE: After dust storms, hazy weather, will there be relief from summer heat?

The UAE is expected to experience a drop in temperatures over the next few days, with a decrease of four to five degrees before rising again.

Unstable summer weather conditions gripped parts of the country in recent days, with residents in Abu Dhabi and Dubai experiencing heavy dust storms, haze, sporadic rainfall, and a noticeable drop in temperatures.

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Recent dust storms, driven by strong downdrafts associated with convective clouds, led to poor visibility in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai on Sunday and Monday.

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“On Wednesday, the temperature will decrease by about 4-5°C due to northwesterly winds, particularly in Abu Dhabi,” said Dr Ahmed Habib, meteorologist at the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM). “In general, all coastal areas will see a drop in temperatures but the most significant decrease will be in the western region, and then other parts of the country including Dubai.”

This week, moderate to heavy rainfall was reported in Dubai’s Margham area, Abu Dhabi’s Al Dhafrah region, and several parts of Al Ain, including Umm Ghaffa, Al Faqa, Um Al Zumoul, and Khatm Al Shiklah. Authorities issued orange and yellow alerts in select areas, cautioning residents about potential hazardous weather and urging vigilance during outdoor activities.

Experts say these patterns are expected to continue intermittently over the next few days — with a more active system forecast around July 25-26.

“This is a normal phenomenon happening around this time of the year,” said Dr Ahmed Habib, meteorologist at the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM). “It typically occurs from mid-July to mid-August, with alternating days of active weather and light or no rainfall.”

What's causing the shift?

According to the veteran meteorologist, the recent weather activity is linked to a combination of atmospheric systems, including a low-pressure system moving in from the East, moisture-laden air from the Arabian Sea, and the northward shift of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ).

Notably, the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) is a belt of low pressure near the equator where trade winds from both hemispheres meet. This causes warm air to rise, cool, and form clouds and thunderstorms. The ITCZ appears as a band of showers circling the globe, sometimes continuous, sometimes in segments. It shifts with the seasons, moving north in July and August and south in January and February, shaping weather patterns across the tropics.

“A few days ago, we were under the effect of an extension of low pressure coming from the East, associated with a humid air mass, and upper air low pressure,” he explained.

This system, first affecting Oman, impacted the UAE's eastern border before extending inland towards areas like Suweihan, and deeper into Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

However, conditions have begun shifting south due to the arrival of northwesterly winds and the influence of a high-pressure system from the North. “On Wednesday, July 23, the chance of rain will be very weak or none,” said Habib. “But similar conditions will start again on July 24, and become more active on July 25 and 26.”

Where will it rain next?

Convective cloud formation — responsible for intense rainfall and occasional hail — is expected to return to parts of the UAE later this week. “There will be formation of some convective clouds in internal areas and south of Dhafra,” Habib said. “This may be associated with rain of different intensity and even hail. It depends on the amount of humidity and moisture in the upper atmosphere.”

Over the next few days, rainfall is likely in the outskirts of Dubai — particularly in Marmoom and parts of Expo City — as well as Liwa, south of Liwa, and remote areas of Al Dhafra in Abu Dhabi.

What’s next?

While the mid-week is expected to remain relatively quiet, weather-wise, activity will likely pick up by the weekend. “On July 25-26, we expect a more active phase,” said Habib. “There will be a southerly wind shift, more humidity, and a rise in temperature — possibly reaching up to 49°C. Dusty and sandy conditions are likely to return.”

Nandini Sircar

nandini@khaleejtimes.com

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.