Parts of the United Arab Emirates are expected to see rainfall through Friday, August 7, as atmospheric conditions favor the development of convective clouds, according to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM). Moisture drawn from the Sea of Oman, combined with rising temperatures and the influence of eastern mountain ranges, is anticipated to generate localized cloud formation during afternoon hours, potentially resulting in variable rainfall across the country.
On Monday, rain-bearing clouds appeared over some eastern and southern regions by the afternoon. Winds were generally light to moderate but occasionally picked up, reaching speeds of up to 40 kilometers per hour in some inland areas, causing dust to blow. A weather-tracking channel monitoring conditions pointed to possible thunderstorm activity later in the day, identifying areas west of Al Madam, Nazwa, Mleiha, and southeastern Dubai—including Marqab, Al Faqa, and Margham—as potential sites for cloud development. Additional cloud formation could occur north of Al Ain.
The channel noted that moist easterly winds may push convergence zones of air masses farther west during the day. A humid sea breeze was also expected to contribute to favorable conditions for clouds spanning from the southern parts of the central region to southeast Dubai and north of Al Ain.
The NCM’s five-day forecast indicates continued chances of rain on Tuesday over select eastern and southern areas, with southeasterly to northeasterly winds possibly reaching 40 kilometers per hour and stirring dust. Wednesday’s forecast calls for convective clouds and rain over portions of the eastern and interior regions, alongside stronger winds that may reach speeds of up to 50 kilometers per hour. On Thursday, the potential for rain-bearing clouds will extend to eastern and western locations, with winds again possibly strengthening to 50 kilometers per hour. By Friday, rainfall chances are expected to cover some eastern, southern, and western areas, accompanied by winds up to 40 kilometers per hour. Seas in both the Arabian Gulf and the Sea of Oman are predicted to remain slight throughout the period.
Despite the likelihood of precipitation, temperatures are forecast to remain extremely high. Maximum daytime temperatures in interior areas could range between 45°C and 50°C on Monday, while coastal and island locations might see highs between 42°C and 47°C. Mountain regions are expected to experience temperatures from 33°C to 39°C.
The NCM recently conducted cloud-seeding operations whenever suitable clouds were identified during the previous rainy spell. The center emphasized that although intense summer heat promotes convective cloud formation via surface heating, rainfall requires additional factors such as adequate moisture, humid air masses, atmospheric instability, upper-air troughs, and supportive wind patterns. When these elements align, thunderstorms and rainfall can develop even amid near-50°C temperatures.