As the effects of the recent low-pressure system diminish, tomorrow signals the arrival of the final wave of rain across the region. The latest meteorological reports indicate a variety of cloud formations that began to appear on the western side of the country early yesterday morning. These clouds extended into the Al Dhafra area, bringing heavy rainfall throughout the day.
According to the National Center of Meteorology, the movement of clouds progressed towards Abu Dhabi, Dubai, the northern regions, Al Ain, and ultimately the eastern regions and Fujairah. The center’s report highlights that during the day today, the impact of the low-pressure system will decrease, yet light to moderate rain remains a possibility, especially over the islands and certain northern areas, occurring at intermittent intervals.
The meteorological authority further pointed out that the evening hours today and tomorrow morning will witness the final wave of rain, as the low-pressure system deepens in the atmosphere. This wave is expected to commence late Thursday night over the western regions.
Gradually, it will influence the Al Dhafra region and Abu Dhabi throughout late Thursday night and early Friday, then extend during Friday to include the northern areas, the city of Al Ain, and parts of the eastern regions. Accompanying this will be heavy rain, thunderstorms, and even hail in certain limited areas of the country. Cloud cover will decrease gradually overnight. The National Center of Meteorology noted that by Saturday, cloud amounts would also see a reduction across the state. Winds will shift from southeast to northeast, turning to moderate to active northwesterly winds, occasionally strong, especially with cumulus clouds, potentially stirring dust and lowering horizontal visibility.
Scattered areas have recorded varying amounts of rainfall, indicating a significant weather event characterized by active cumulus clouds. In particular, Das Island in Abu Dhabi has reported the highest rainfall amount at 47.9 mm, followed closely by Fujairah with approximately 46.6 mm. Daina Island in the Al Dhafra area received 39.7 mm, while Jebel Mebreh in Ras Al Khaimah saw 33.3 mm. Additionally, Jebel Jais in Ras Al Khaimah recorded 31.6 mm, and Abu Dhabi Corniche followed with 28.3 mm in rainfall amounts.
Captain Ismail Al-Balushi, the General Director of Fujairah International Airport, confirmed that the weather conditions led to record rainfall across various regions of the emirate. Emergency teams, alongside police and municipal authorities, have been diligently monitoring weather developments amid heavy rainfall, which has persisted for three consecutive days. Efforts have been ramped up to ensure resident safety, manage traffic flow, and promptly address water accumulation.
This rainfall, viewed as a blessing, also illustrates the readiness of the emergency and service infrastructure in the emirate, showcasing their prompt response to changes in weather while maintaining smooth traffic and community safety. Increased water levels have been reported in some low-lying areas; emergency personnel have promptly initiated field operations at the affected sites to mitigate the effects of the rainfall.
Moreover, water has surged through streams and mountainous slopes, leading to strong flood currents amidst the Fujairah mountains, transforming the landscape into a breathtaking sight for onlookers. Municipal emergency teams, in cooperation with relevant authorities, have been deploying water drainage equipment and operating pumps tirelessly to manage water accumulation and minimize its effects, thereby ensuring uninterrupted traffic flow and continuous service delivery.
In Ras Al Khaimah, the Public Services Department continues its proactive measures to mitigate the impact of the ongoing weather conditions by implementing a comprehensive preparedness plan. This includes equipping field teams and enhancing the efficiency of rainwater drainage systems in main streets, public roads, wadi areas, and residential neighborhoods. The department is dedicated to ensuring that water flows smoothly during heavy rain and minimizing the risks associated with accumulation by providing necessary equipment for emergency situations.
The department has dispatched various pumps, heavy machinery, and water suction vehicles to 12 key locations, ensuring rapid response and intervention when required. Cleaning and opening drainage systems in the most affected areas is also a priority, alongside the mobilization of 32 field teams comprising 548 specialized personnel to guarantee complete readiness. Engineer Khalid Fadl Al-Ali, General Director of the Public Services Department, asserted that the department is operating with the highest standards of preparedness, deploying all available human and technical resources for efficient management of the weather situation.
In Al Ain, the municipal team has actively deployed specialized field teams to effectively respond to the weather conditions, collaborating with strategic partners to ensure public safety and protect property while facilitating smooth traffic movement. Additionally, the Al Ain Municipality has activated its emergency operations center to handle all incoming reports around the clock and verify the safety of earthen barriers along wadi banks, including the installation of electronic warning screens to direct drivers to safe detours.
This weather situation calls for continued vigilance. The public is urged to heed safety guidelines, including avoiding wadi crossings and flood-prone areas. Authorities have recommended congregations to perform prayers at home during the rain to ensure their safety, following Prophet Muhammad’s direction during adverse weather conditions. The community is encouraged to leverage this time for prayer and gratitude while adhering to official directives to maintain safety.
As the final wave of rain approaches, it brings both challenges and opportunities for communities across the region. The readiness of various departments ensures that residents can navigate this weather event with relative ease, maintaining safety and well-being throughout the rainy period.