A shift in regional weather patterns is bringing rain, thunderstorms, and cooler evening temperatures to parts of the UAE this week. The country's national weather body has issued alerts for potential hail, lightning, and reduced visibility, as the nation enters a transitional phase out of peak summer heat.
Storm systems to sweep across eastern and southern UAE
The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has warned of unstable weather conditions from Wednesday, September 3, through Friday, September 5, as parts of the UAE prepare for a wave of intense weather activity.
Eastern and southern regions — including Fujairah and Al Ain — are forecast to receive heavy rainfall, with the possibility of lightning, thunder, and hail, particularly on Wednesday and Thursday. Rainfall may extend further inland depending on cloud formation.
The unsettled conditions are the result of the northward movement of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) — a meteorological phenomenon known for generating cloud clusters, showers, and storms. The ITCZ is created by the convergence of trade winds that carry warm, moist air from the east. When this air rises and cools, it leads to convective cloud formation, which often results in intense rainfall and storm activity.
Low pressure systems and moisture influx behind weather shift
Meteorologists attribute the change in conditions to the combined effects of surface and upper-level low-pressure systems advancing from the south. This system is driving a flow of moist air masses from the Arabian Sea and the Sea of Oman toward the UAE.
As a result, convective clouds — capable of producing varied rainfall intensities — are expected to develop over the eastern mountain ranges. These formations could lead to strong winds, blowing from southeast to northeast, that may pick up speed around storm cells and carry dust and sand, reducing horizontal visibility in affected areas.
Despite the storm activity, daytime temperatures will continue to hover above 40°C, though night-time temperatures are forecast to drop below 30°C in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, providing temporary relief from prolonged summer heat.
Additional weather effects: Fog, dust, and rougher skies
In addition to rain and thunderstorms, fog and mist remain a concern for motorists. On Tuesday morning, dense fog reduced visibility across parts of the country, and similar conditions are anticipated on Wednesday morning.
The Arabian Gulf and the Sea of Oman are expected to remain slight to moderately rough, with fluctuating sea conditions influenced by wind speeds during storm periods.
While weather disruptions may be brief, they mark a continuation of similar patterns seen in August, when isolated rainfall, hail, and even temporary waterfalls formed in some parts of the country following intense downpours.
Seasonal shift: From Suhail’s rise to Autumn’s arrival
The weather developments coincide with a notable seasonal marker in the region — the rising of the Suhail star, observed on Sunday, August 24. Known traditionally as the ‘Star of Yemen’, Suhail’s appearance in the skies signals the transition from summer to the early stages of autumn across the Arabian Peninsula.
Culturally significant in Arab tradition, the star’s rising is associated with the beginning of cooler nights. As the old saying goes, “If Suhail rises, the night cools down.” Though daytime heat will persist for some time, Suhail’s appearance is often taken as a hopeful sign for residents anticipating the return of milder temperatures and outdoor-friendly weather.
Storm systems to sweep across eastern and southern UAE
The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has warned of unstable weather conditions from Wednesday, September 3, through Friday, September 5, as parts of the UAE prepare for a wave of intense weather activity.
Eastern and southern regions — including Fujairah and Al Ain — are forecast to receive heavy rainfall, with the possibility of lightning, thunder, and hail, particularly on Wednesday and Thursday. Rainfall may extend further inland depending on cloud formation.
The unsettled conditions are the result of the northward movement of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) — a meteorological phenomenon known for generating cloud clusters, showers, and storms. The ITCZ is created by the convergence of trade winds that carry warm, moist air from the east. When this air rises and cools, it leads to convective cloud formation, which often results in intense rainfall and storm activity.
Low pressure systems and moisture influx behind weather shift
Meteorologists attribute the change in conditions to the combined effects of surface and upper-level low-pressure systems advancing from the south. This system is driving a flow of moist air masses from the Arabian Sea and the Sea of Oman toward the UAE.
As a result, convective clouds — capable of producing varied rainfall intensities — are expected to develop over the eastern mountain ranges. These formations could lead to strong winds, blowing from southeast to northeast, that may pick up speed around storm cells and carry dust and sand, reducing horizontal visibility in affected areas.
Despite the storm activity, daytime temperatures will continue to hover above 40°C, though night-time temperatures are forecast to drop below 30°C in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, providing temporary relief from prolonged summer heat.
Additional weather effects: Fog, dust, and rougher skies
In addition to rain and thunderstorms, fog and mist remain a concern for motorists. On Tuesday morning, dense fog reduced visibility across parts of the country, and similar conditions are anticipated on Wednesday morning.
The Arabian Gulf and the Sea of Oman are expected to remain slight to moderately rough, with fluctuating sea conditions influenced by wind speeds during storm periods.
While weather disruptions may be brief, they mark a continuation of similar patterns seen in August, when isolated rainfall, hail, and even temporary waterfalls formed in some parts of the country following intense downpours.
Seasonal shift: From Suhail’s rise to Autumn’s arrival
The weather developments coincide with a notable seasonal marker in the region — the rising of the Suhail star, observed on Sunday, August 24. Known traditionally as the ‘Star of Yemen’, Suhail’s appearance in the skies signals the transition from summer to the early stages of autumn across the Arabian Peninsula.
Culturally significant in Arab tradition, the star’s rising is associated with the beginning of cooler nights. As the old saying goes, “If Suhail rises, the night cools down.” Though daytime heat will persist for some time, Suhail’s appearance is often taken as a hopeful sign for residents anticipating the return of milder temperatures and outdoor-friendly weather.
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