Rain and hail swept across parts of the UAE on Monday afternoon, October 19, with hail reported in Masafi and Murbeh in Fujairah. Rain also fell in Al Madam, Sharjah, and along the route between the area and Margham in Dubai. The UAE’s National Centre of Meteorology warned of strong winds and reduced visibility, saying rain could continue in parts of the country until Thursday, October 22.

The Storm Centre weather account published videos showing rain and hail in Masafi and Murbeh, Fujairah. Other footage showed dark skies and rainfall in Al Madam, Sharjah. In one video, a camel is seen walking in the rain along a wet road in Sharjah.

The UAE’s National Centre of Meteorology warned on Monday of rain-bearing convective clouds forming over some eastern and southern parts of the country. The alert was in effect from 2pm to 9pm, with winds accompanying the clouds expected to reach speeds of up to 50 kilometres per hour. The winds could stir up dust and reduce horizontal visibility.

In a separate alert, the centre said northwesterly winds between 3pm and 7pm on Monday could stir up dust in some coastal and inland areas, reducing horizontal visibility to less than 3,000 metres.

According to the National Centre of Meteorology, the recent unstable weather is caused by an expanding surface low-pressure system, coupled with another low-pressure system in the upper atmosphere. These conditions have led to the formation of convective clouds and increased the likelihood of rainfall in parts of the country.

The centre forecasts that the chance of rain will continue on Tuesday, October 20, and Wednesday, October 21. Convective clouds are expected to form first over eastern areas before spreading to parts of the inland and western regions. Wind speeds could reach 50 kilometres per hour on both days, stirring up dust and reducing horizontal visibility.

Rain-bearing clouds are also forecast to develop over some eastern and western areas on Thursday, October 22. Wind speeds could reach 40 kilometres per hour. Rising humidity overnight and in the early morning will also increase the likelihood of fog or mist in some coastal and inland areas.

The National, citing UAE weather maps, reported that heavy rain could affect Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah and Al Ain until Wednesday, while Dubai and Abu Dhabi are expected to remain largely unaffected.

Despite the continuing unsettled conditions, temperatures across the UAE will remain high. Forecasts indicate that temperatures in Al Ain could exceed 40°C, while many other parts of the country will remain in the high 30s.

Meanwhile, UAE authorities have urged motorists to exercise caution during rainfall and reduced visibility, maintain a safe following distance and comply with variable speed limits displayed on electronic signs. Residents have also been advised to avoid seasonal watercourses and flood-prone areas during unstable weather.

The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority also warned on Saturday, October 17, that changing weather conditions and reduced visibility could affect operations at some airports across the country and cause limited flight delays. Passengers were advised to check the latest status of their flights with airlines and airports.

Monday’s rainfall followed a period of unsettled weather in recent days. Parts of the UAE also experienced rain and hail on Sunday, October 18, with heavy hail blanketing sections of the sand dunes in Dubai’s Margham area. The National Centre of Meteorology issued orange and yellow alerts that day for several eastern and western areas of the country.