Rain, Fog, and Cooler Temperatures Refresh UAE This Weekend

This Friday morning, parts of the United Arab Emirates welcomed a refreshing start to the weekend, thanks to scattered light rain showers. The rainfall was observed particularly in the eastern regions, including Fujairah, Kalba, and Khor Fakkan, creating a pleasant and cooler atmosphere for residents and visitors alike. These areas, often closer to the mountainous terrain, tend to experience such localized weather patterns.

The light showers were a welcome relief from the typical summer heat. People living in these regions shared photos and videos on social media, expressing their joy about the unexpected weather change.

The Weather System Behind the Rain

According to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), this refreshing weather is due to a combination of atmospheric changes. A surface low-pressure system is currently affecting the UAE, and it is being supported by upper air low-pressure systems coming from both the south and the north. Additionally, a cold air mass in the upper levels of the atmosphere has helped in forming clouds and triggering rainfall.

These systems are expected to influence the country’s weather conditions until Monday, July 28. The mix of pressure systems and cool upper-level air is helping form clouds that eventually lead to rain. This kind of pattern is typical during the summer monsoon extension phase when humidity and air pressure interact over mountainous terrain.

More Rain Likely This Weekend

The NCM has predicted that more rain could fall over the weekend. The presence of mountains in the east, such as those near Fujairah, plays a major role in this. These mountains help form what are known as convective clouds—clouds that rise vertically due to warm, moist air. These clouds are capable of producing rain, sometimes with thunder or wind.

These weather conditions may not stay limited to just the eastern regions. The NCM also noted that some northern and southern areas could be affected as well, depending on how the clouds develop and move. People in internal regions might also see some rainfall as the clouds spread westward during the day.

Coldest Temperature of the Day Recorded in Fujairah

Early this morning, one of the coldest temperatures in the country was recorded. At around 4:30 am, the temperature dropped to 24°C at Al Heben Mountain in Fujairah. This reading highlights how varied the weather can be across the UAE.

While most cities remain warm or hot even during early morning hours, the mountainous regions provide cooler, fresher air, especially during periods of rain and cloud cover. This makes such places ideal for people looking to escape the city heat, even if only briefly.

Abu Dhabi Wakes Up to Dense Fog

In contrast to the rain in the east, parts of Abu Dhabi were covered in dense fog early Friday morning. The National Centre of Meteorology issued an official fog alert, warning residents about reduced visibility on several roads in the capital.

The thick fog affected visibility for both drivers and pedestrians, making travel conditions tricky. The fog alert was in place until 8:30 am, during which people were advised to drive slowly and use fog lights where necessary. The alert served as an early morning reminder of how quickly weather can shift in different parts of the UAE.

Abu Dhabi Police Issues Speed Limit Warning

In response to the foggy conditions, Abu Dhabi Police posted a public safety alert on their official social media accounts. The alert reminded drivers that during fog, the speed limit is automatically reduced to 80 kilometres per hour on all roads. This temporary speed limit helps reduce the risk of accidents due to poor visibility.

The police urged motorists to pay attention to electronic road signs and updates from official weather services. By lowering speed and keeping a safe distance from other vehicles, drivers can help protect themselves and others on the road.

Today's General Weather Outlook

Looking at the rest of today’s forecast, the UAE is expected to have partly cloudy to hazy conditions across different areas. While sunshine is still expected in many places, there is a chance for cloud formation, especially in the eastern regions and some interior zones. These clouds may lead to scattered rainfall later in the day.

Weather experts are also watching for any further developments in cloud patterns. Some internal regions, especially those located between mountain areas and desert zones, might experience rain and mild winds during the afternoon and evening.

Current Temperatures and What to Expect

As of this morning, the temperature in Dubai is reported to be around 34°C, while Abu Dhabi is slightly cooler at 32°C, according to weather reports from AccuWeather. However, these temperatures are expected to rise as the day progresses.

In coastal areas and islands, such as those along the Gulf, temperatures may go up to 44°C. In interior desert regions, the heat can spike up to 49°C, making it extremely hot during the day. On the other hand, mountainous areas will remain cooler, ranging from 33°C to 39°C, offering some relief from the intense summer heat.

Humidity Expected Tonight and Saturday Morning

As the day ends, humidity is expected to rise, especially over some western regions of the country. The combination of cooler night temperatures and moisture in the air could lead to fog or mist formation once again during the early hours of Saturday.

Drivers in these areas are advised to stay updated with alerts from the NCM and local traffic authorities to ensure safe travel in case of low visibility.

Winds and Dust May Reduce Visibility

Winds across the UAE will generally be light to moderate, but they may become strong at times, particularly in areas where clouds are forming. These strong winds can cause blowing dust and sand, which may reduce visibility for drivers and residents.

In desert and open areas, such wind conditions are common, and people are advised to avoid outdoor activities during dusty hours, especially those with breathing problems or allergies.

Sea Conditions Remain Calm

For those planning to be near the coast, the sea conditions are expected to be slight in both the Arabian Gulf and the Oman Sea. There are no warnings for rough seas, which means fishing and boating activities can go on safely, provided general safety measures are followed.

A Refreshing but Cautious Weekend Ahead

This weekend offers a mix of rain, cool temperatures, and foggy conditions across the UAE. While some regions are enjoying showers and a drop in temperatures, others are dealing with low visibility due to fog. With more rain expected, especially in eastern and mountainous areas, it's a great time for residents to enjoy the cooler weather—but also a time to stay alert and safe, especially while travelling.

As always, the National Centre of Meteorology and local authorities continue to monitor the situation and provide timely updates. Residents are encouraged to check official channels before heading outdoors or driving long distances.