Heavy rainfall floods Dubai, Burj Khalifa struck by lightning, Crown Prince shares video; WATCH

The United Arab Emirates is currently experiencing a period of unstable weather characterized by heavy rains, gusty winds and rough seas, with cooler temperatures in several emirates. The National Center for Meteorology (NCM) has issued forecasts and warnings, warning residents and travelers to exercise caution as unstable weather continues through Friday, December 19. A gradual recovery is expected over the weekend.

What Causes the Weather?

Unusual weather conditions are caused by convective clouds causing intermittent rain, gusty winds, and cloud cover ranging from partly cloudy to overcast skies. Officials explained that the weather system is linked to a low pressure area moving from the Red Sea and interacting with a cold air mass in the upper atmosphere. The clash of hot and cold air caused sudden showers, storms and even hail in some areas.

Areas Affected by Heavy Rain

The main wave of precipitation is expected to peak on Thursday, December 18 and Friday, December 19; The western parts of the UAE are already bearing the brunt of the storm. Rain is currently moving eastward across the country.

1. Abu Dhabi: Heavy rain is expected to begin late on Thursday night, with a total of around 16 mm expected by Friday.
2. Dubai: About 15 mm of rain is expected on Friday, with the heaviest rain expected between 4:00 am and 6:00 am.
3. Northern and Eastern Emirates: Convective clouds, thunder and a high probability of hail will continue to occur in areas such as Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah, which have already recorded more than 33 mm of rain this week.

Sheikh Hamdan Lightning Strikes Burj Khalifa

Amid this intense weather, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and UAE Minister of Defense, shared a stunning video of lightning striking the iconic Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest tower. Video posted on social media shows the Burj Khalifa standing tall against a green, cloudy sky when a powerful lightning strike strikes the top of the skyscraper. This rare and dramatic moment captured the true intensity of the ongoing storm and has gone viral as the weather phenomenon continues to capture public attention.

Weather Warnings: High Winds and Choppy Seas

NCM has issued an orange alert for heavy rain in western and coastal areas, including Fujairah. The warning will be valid until 16:00 on Friday. Authorities also warned of the possibility of lightning, thunder and hail in some areas. The wind will blow from southeast to northwest at moderate and strong speeds, its speed will reach up to 85 km/h, and visibility may be reduced due to dust and sand.

For sea travelers, NCM has issued a warning regarding rough and very rough seas in both the Persian Gulf and the Arabian Sea. Winds can reach speeds of up to 65 km per hour, creating high waves. Sea enthusiasts and boat owners are advised to stay on shore until the weather conditions improve.

Cold Expected After Rain

As the rain decreases over the weekend, temperatures are expected to drop significantly. Daytime temperatures are estimated to drop to 24 degrees in Dubai and 23 degrees in Abu Dhabi, while daytime temperatures in Al Ain will be close to 21 degrees. Night temperatures will drop to 10 degrees in some areas.

NCM predicts that the heavy rain will end on Saturday evening, leaving behind scattered clouds over the northern and eastern parts of the UAE. Sunday is expected to be calmer, but high humidity may cause foggy mornings, especially in the western parts of the country.

Travel and Safety Warnings

Due to the ongoing harsh weather conditions, UAE police have issued several safety advisories for drivers in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, urging caution due to reduced visibility and slippery roads. Police warned of penalties for risky behavior during the storm:

1. Entering flooded valleys: Dh2,000 fine, 23 black spots and 60-day vehicle detention.
2. Obstruction of emergency services: Dh1,000 fine and 60-day vehicle detention.
3. Using a phone while driving: Dh800 fine and four black points.
4. Congregating near dams: Dh1,000 fine and six black dots.

Travel Interruptions at Airports

The storm comes at a particularly busy time for Dubai International Airport (DXB), which is expecting a record 8.7 million passengers this month. Since roads such as E11 and E311 are prone to traffic congestion, travelers are advised to arrive early to account for possible delays due to bad weather. While flights are generally expected to operate normally, severe storms may cause minor delays or temporary stoppages.

As the UAE grapples with heavy rain, strong winds and lower temperatures, residents and travelers are urged to stay informed about ongoing weather developments. As authorities continue to monitor the situation, gradual improvement is expected as the weekend approaches. As always, safety must be a priority, especially on the roads and at sea.