The key facts
- Rain is most likely in Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah on Monday and Tuesday
- Winds will strengthen from 40 km/h on Sunday to 50 km/h from Monday to Wednesday
- The heat will persist: above 40°C is possible in Al Ain and the desert areas of Abu Dhabi
Rain and wind in the northern emirates
Parts of the UAE are bracing for rain, strong winds and fog in the coming days, though temperatures will remain high across the country. The National Center of Meteorology (NCM) forecasts humid weather in the northern and eastern areas of the emirates at least until Wednesday. According to the centre's online weather map, rainfall is most likely in Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah on Monday and Tuesday. In its latest five-day bulletin, the NCM noted that nights will be humid and fog is likely in the morning throughout the coming week.
Wind, dust and visibility
Winds are forecast to reach 40 km/h on Sunday, and from Monday to Wednesday they may strengthen to 50 km/h, kicking up dust and reducing visibility. This echoes earlier reporting by The National: on October 17 the publication reported possible flight delays in the UAE due to reduced visibility in autumn weather, and on October 19 — heavy rain and hail in some areas against the backdrop of a warning of winds up to 50 km/h. The northern emirates have been particularly hard hit by unsettled weather this month.
The heat will not let up
Abu Dhabi and Dubai, according to the forecast, will escape the rain. Daytime temperatures in both cities will remain in the mid-to-high 30s over the next five days, while in Al Ain and remote desert areas of Abu Dhabi they may exceed 40°C. The average October temperature in the UAE is 29.7°C according to the NCM's latest monthly review, but this month the mercury has climbed higher. Citing meteorologists, the publication notes the role of the El Niño phenomenon in delaying the usual autumn cooling.
Why it matters
The combination of fog, dust and winds of up to 50 km/h directly affects visibility on the roads and, as The National previously reported, can lead to flight delays — affecting both motorists and air passengers. At the same time, the contrast between rain in the north of the country and heat above 40°C in inland areas means that autumn cooling should not be expected in the coming days: the practical takeaway for residents is to factor in morning fog when planning trips and not to count on temperatures dropping any time soon.
