The UAE under heavy rains and thunderstorms

Friday, November 17, 2023

Parts of the UAE is under heavy rain and thunderstorms since Friday morning.

The National Centre of Meteorology recorded heavy downpours in the 7 Emirates- Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Sharjah and Ajman in updates posted to social media.

There was heavy rain, thunderstorms and lightning across parts of Dubai from 5am on Friday morning.

The weather bureau issued an orange and yellow alert for the Northern Emirates.

It is for warning residents of heavy rain, thunder and strong winds. Conditions are likely to settle by noon.

Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority also issued a flood warning after rain accumulated around Sheikh Zayed Road on Friday morning. Motorists may have to take alternative routes.

Dubai school operator KHDA also issued a warning on social media on Friday morning.

They urged schools and parents to be flexible for children, students and staff during the wet conditions.

In times of rain, it’s important to be flexible. Schools and parents can decide what’s best for their children, students and staff. KHDA wrote on social media.

This came as Dubai Police issued a rare emergency alert to residents’ phones. It is urging motorists to be cautious and to steer clear of flood-prone areas.

The government on Thursday urged the private sector to allow flexible working on Friday. They may close a number of schools and nurseries.

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation urged private sector employees to apply flexible work patterns.

Companies must take necessary measures to ensure outdoor work.

It is necessary to resume, complies with the occupational health and safety requirements.

Companies also need to ensure the health and safety of workers commuting to and from outdoor work locations.

Abu Dhabi Police also advised motorists to take care on the Emirate’s roads.

The NCM said temperatures may fall with highs of 29°C and 28°C in Dubai and Abu Dhabi respectively, 31°C in Ras Al Khaimah and 30°C in Fujairah.

Abu Dhabi Police called on motorists “to exercise caution due to the rainy weather and to follow the changing speed limits displayed on the electronic information boards.

Police in Ras Al Khaimah on Thursday confirmed that government schools in the emirate would be putting in place remote learning on Friday due to the unstable weather conditions.

Ajman Police confirmed that both public and private schools in the emirate would be remote learning as well, due to the heavy rain.

Weather website Windy said the rain would spread to Fujairah in the afternoon.

Conditions may settle by Saturday with temperatures rising slightly to highs of 30°C and 29°C in Dubai and Abu Dhabi respectively. 30°C in Ras Al Khaimah and 31°C in Fujairah.

On Sunday, the mercury will rise again to highs of 31°C in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, 31°C in Ras Al Khaimah and 30°C in Fujairah.

The conditions at sea over the weekend are likely to be calm.

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