Photo: Instagram.com
The UAE awoke to heavy rainfall, thunder and lightning this morning. According to the reports, the downpour is a result of the NCM’s regular cloud seeding missions, which allow maximum rainfall in the country.
“The country is affected by a surface low pressure system from the Red Sea, with an extension of upper air trough accompanied by a jet stream from the West and cold air mass with clouds flowing from the west accompanied by convective clouds over scattered areas associated with rainfall,” the NCM shared while explaining the weather change.
The rainfall began earlier this week, with ras Al Khaimah recording the first weather change on Thursday. Come Friday, weather conditions intensified in Dubai at around 4.45am on, first hitting the areas of Al Barsha, Nad Al Sheba, Silicon Oasis, Dubai Investments Park (DIP), Jumeirah Village, and Business Bay. At present, areas like Sharjah and Deira are absolutely waterlogged, while main roads like Sheikh Zayed Road are seeing slower traffic.
#تنبيه #المركز_الوطني_للأرصاد
#Alert_#NCM pic.twitter.com/OjFlgcztWh— المركز الوطني للأرصاد (@ncmuae) November 17, 2023
It seems like the weather will persist a while longer. The UAE’s National Center of Meteorology has sent out yellow and orange weather alerts to make sure citizens can prepare accordingly and stay safe. Dubai Police also issued a safety alert with an infographic, saying, “[Dubai] is experiencing adverse weather conditions. Stay clear of beaches and areas prone to flash floods. Drive with care and heed the advice of the authorities.”
Stay safe on the road during rainy weather by following these safety guidelines. Make road safety your top priority with these traffic tips. pic.twitter.com/Wj8Hvg9k3t
— Dubai Policeشرطة دبي (@DubaiPoliceHQ) November 17, 2023
A direct result of the rainfall, of course, has been a drastic drop in the temperature across the UAE. Dubai, for one, is expected to go as low as 26°C by tonight. In more mountainous regions of the country, the weather can be expected to drop down to 14°C.
While schools have immediately asked students to switch to online classes for the coming days, the government has urged private sectors to allow employees flexible working hours for the day, with many being allowed to work from home. The situation is expected to ease by Saturday, with the rainfall reducing to a more manageable amount.
