Residents across the UAE witnessed one of the heaviest rainfalls this season on Monday, as downpours swept across multiple emirates, flooding streets, slowing traffic, and offering a rare, dramatic shift in the country’s weather pattern.
The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) shared with Khaleej Times the top five recorded rainfall amounts up to the end of Monday, highlighting the intensity of the showers.
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Al Manama (Ajman): 93.3mm
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Ghayathi (Abu Dhabi): 91mm
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Al Wathba (Abu Dhabi): 88.2mm
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Mohammed Bin Zayed City (Abu Dhabi): 78.7mm
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Al Ruwais (Abu Dhabi): 75.7mm
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From residential neighbourhoods to highways, many residents described navigating waterlogged roads and sudden bursts of rain that came and went in waves.
The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has warned that the unsettled conditions are far from over, with multiple waves of instability expected to continue until March 27.
Rain sweeps across regions in waves
According to meteorologists, rainfall began early in the western parts of the country, particularly in Al Dhafra, before gradually moving inland.
Rain began in the western regions, including Al Dhafra, and spread across Abu Dhabi city, with varying intensity. However, some areas saw only light showers, while others experienced heavy, sustained downpours.
By afternoon, the weather system had expanded significantly:
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Rain stretched from Al Dhafra towards Abu Dhabi city and Al Ain
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Showers began in Dubai, including Jebel Ali and Al Barsha
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Eastern and northern regions, including Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah, were expected to see increased rainfall by evening
In some parts of Abu Dhabi, moderate to heavy rain led to water accumulation on roads, with minor flooding reported in low-lying areas.
Multiple waves of instability expected
The current spell is part of a broader atmospheric pattern affecting the UAE this week, bringing intermittent but recurring rainfall.
The NCM earlier explained that the country will experience successive waves of cloud activity over the coming days:
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March 24 (Tuesday): A second wave is expected, following a similar west-to-north movement
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March 25 (Wednesday): Rain likely to shift towards northern and eastern areas, including Al Ain and coastal regions
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Late March 26 to March 27: A final wave is expected overnight, gradually clearing by March 27
It was clarified that the rainfall is not continuous in any single location, with showers expected to pause for an hour or two in some areas before resuming as new cloud bands move in.
What residents can expect this week
Weather conditions are expected to remain variable, with rain falling at intervals rather than continuously.
Tuesday:
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Daytime: Scattered rain across the country
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Night: Western, eastern, and coastal areas, including islands
Wednesday:
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Daytime: Intermittent rain across various regions
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Night: Focus on eastern areas and Al Ain, with decreasing chances late night
Thursday:
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Morning: Low chance of rain
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Afternoon & evening: Northern and eastern regions, including Al Ain
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Late night: Coastal areas, islands, and western regions
Friday:
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Daytime: Rain expected to start from islands, coastal and western regions, moving inland
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Night: Gradual decrease in cloud cover and rainfall
Meanwhile, authorities continue to advise caution on the roads, especially in areas prone to waterlogging, as the country rides out one of its most active weather weeks this year.
Source: Khaleej Times