UAE braces for severe weather system; 70kph winds, flash flood risk through evening

The National Centre of Meteorology issued a comprehensive weather advisory for the UAE on Tuesday, warning of hazardous conditions across multiple regions through at least 10pm, with wind speeds expected to reach 70 kilometres per hour and a significant risk of flash flooding in eastern and southern areas.

The alert structure deployed by the NCM signals the severity of the incoming system. An orange alert, indicating hazardous conditions, covers desert areas of Abu Dhabi, where operators and residents face the highest risk from rapid weather deterioration. A yellow alert, advising heightened awareness during outdoor activities, extends across much of the Western Region of Abu Dhabi emirate. The advisory encompasses eastern, southern and internal areas of the country, reflecting the broad geographic reach of the unstable weather pattern moving through the region.

Real-time tracking from the Storm Centre platform documented rainfall already falling across multiple emirates on Tuesday. Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah and parts of Abu Dhabi experienced precipitation, with footage capturing active rain conditions across northern and eastern zones. In Hatta, Dubai, residents deployed umbrellas as summer showers offered temporary relief from the extreme heat that has defined the season.

Flash flood warnings for eastern portions of the country remain active until 10pm. The NCM specifically advised residents and outdoor workers to take all necessary precautions in the event of hail, underscoring the potential for severe weather phenomena beyond wind and rain alone. Heavy precipitation combined with strong winds presents compounded risks for infrastructure, transportation networks and public safety across affected areas.

Northern and eastern regions should prepare for sustained instability extending through Friday. Continued cloud cover, intermittent rain and reduced visibility will create hazardous conditions for travel and outdoor operations over multiple days, according to the NCM forecast.

Meanwhile, the UAE’s extreme summer heat will persist through the same period. The NCM’s online weather map forecasts maximum temperatures of 47 degrees Celsius in Abu Dhabi and 45 degrees Celsius in Dubai on Wednesday. Temperatures are projected to remain in the mid-40s across the Emirates for the remainder of the week.

That combination, extreme heat layered over an active storm system, creates a complex meteorological situation for infrastructure operators and residents alike. Whether the forecast holds or conditions deteriorate further before Friday will determine how severely the week tests the country’s transport and utility networks.