UAE authorities issue warning as rain, hail, thunder expected to hit nation
Expecting terrible traffic?UAE residents are now well versed with the implications of inclement weather conditions — including the snarl of traffic. This time around, however, there may be some respite for residents as schools are already remote and many are working from home. Yellow alert issued in UAE The National Centre of Meteorology has issued a yellow alert for rain in parts of UAE. The alert has been issued until 11pm. The authority said in its alert that there is a "chance of convective cloud formation associated with rainfall", along with "fresh to strong winds at times causing blowing dust and sand, reducing horizontal visibility, with a speed reaching 55kmph over some areas from 6am until 11pm".Watch: Hail in Al DhafraIcy stones could be seen lining the valleys of the massive sand dunes of Al Dhafra's desert amid the unsettled weather conditions. Take a look at this unique, breathtaking scene: View this post on Instagram Speed reduction begins in Abu DhabiAbu Dhabi authorities have begun reducing speeds on some roads as inclement weather is expected. Abu Dhabi Police has said that the speed reduction system has been activated to 100kmph on Sheikh Khalifa International Road (Al Sila – Mahmiat Al Soquo). UAE authorities issue a warning, urge residents to follow safety instructions UAE's Ministry of Interior has issued a warning, informing residents of expected weather conditions. It said that "some areas may experience rainfall of varying intensity, hail, and active winds accompanied by lightning and thunder, along with reduced horizontal visibility".It urged residents to follow the instructions below:- Exercise caution while driving and moving around.- Reduce speed on the roads and follow traffic rules and instructions.- Avoid areas prone to valley flows, flash floods, and water accumulations.- Do not visit the sea or beaches during unstable weather conditions.- The concerned authorities emphasize that the safety of everyone is a top priority, urging the public to follow updates and warnings issued by official and authorized sources.Dubai Parks and Resorts announces temporary closureAs authorities closed parks across the UAE due to the weather, popular attraction Dubai Parks and Resorts have also announced a temporary closure on Wednesday, March 25, KT's Nasreen Abdulla reports. They, however, have not specified a reason for the closure.Visitors have been asked to contact the call center for more information on tickets, bookings and refunds.Multiple waves of instability expectedThe current weather is part of a broader pattern of atmospheric instability affecting the country, KT's Haneen Dajani reported.NCM weather expert Dr Ahmad Habib explained that the UAE will experience successive waves of cloud activity over the coming days:March 24 (Tuesday): A second wave expected, following a similar pattern starting from western regions and moving inland and northMarch 25 (Wednesday): Rain likely to concentrate more over northern and eastern areas, including Al Ain and coastal regionsLate March 26 to March 27: A final wave expected overnight, gradually clearing by March 27Dr Ahmad HabibThese are not continuous rains in one locationHe added: “Rain may stop for an hour or two in some areas, then resume as new cloud bands move in.”Thunderstorms expected in Omanصباح اليوم يبشر بأجواء جميلة و ممطرة رعدية احيانا على أغلب محافظات سلطنة عمان.صور الأقمار الإصطناعية من مخرجات الجيل الحديث pic.twitter.com/ySBExc3TYy— الأرصاد العمانية (@OmanMeteorology) March 25, 2026 Oman's Met Department said that the nation is expecting inclement weather conditions and thunderstorms today.Public parking continues to be free in SharjahSharjah yesterday said that it is extending the public parking fee exemption until further notice, amid unstable weather conditions. The exemption was first implemented on March 23. The Sharjah City Municipality added that the exemption applies to all public parking areas across the emirate — including zones that are normally chargeable, which are indicated by blue signs.Smart parking yards, however, are excluded from this exemption.Authorities issue repeated remindersThe Ministry of Interior has reminded residents of public safety guidelines, which are as follows:Do not go out unless necessaryAvoid moving around during strong windsAlways prioritise safetyDriving safelyReduce speedKeep a safe distanceDrive only when necessaryStay calm and cautiousOfficial newsGet news from official sourcesDo not spread rumoursAvoid exaggeration and inaccurate informationValleys and seaAvoid valleys and flood channelsSwimming in the sea is prohibitedStay away from pools of waterHome safetySecure loose objectsEnsure balconies and surfaces are safeRemove hazardous items from outdoor areasSkies get gloomierAs skies in Dubai get darker and the sun takes refuge behind clouds, let's see what the current conditions look like across the country.As can be seen in the above image, the rains can be seen movin
Expecting terrible traffic?
UAE residents are now well versed with the implications of inclement weather conditions — including the snarl of traffic.
This time around, however, there may be some respite for residents as schools are already remote and many are working from home.
Yellow alert issued in UAE
The National Centre of Meteorology has issued a yellow alert for rain in parts of UAE.
The alert has been issued until 11pm. The authority said in its alert that there is a "chance of convective cloud formation associated with rainfall", along with "fresh to strong winds at times causing blowing dust and sand, reducing horizontal visibility, with a speed reaching 55kmph over some areas from 6am until 11pm".
Watch: Hail in Al Dhafra
Icy stones could be seen lining the valleys of the massive sand dunes of Al Dhafra's desert amid the unsettled weather conditions. Take a look at this unique, breathtaking scene:
Speed reduction begins in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi authorities have begun reducing speeds on some roads as inclement weather is expected. Abu Dhabi Police has said that the speed reduction system has been activated to 100kmph on Sheikh Khalifa International Road (Al Sila – Mahmiat Al Soquo).
UAE authorities issue a warning, urge residents to follow safety instructions
UAE's Ministry of Interior has issued a warning, informing residents of expected weather conditions. It said that "some areas may experience rainfall of varying intensity, hail, and active winds accompanied by lightning and thunder, along with reduced horizontal visibility".
It urged residents to follow the instructions below:
- Exercise caution while driving and moving around.
- Reduce speed on the roads and follow traffic rules and instructions.
- Avoid areas prone to valley flows, flash floods, and water accumulations.
- Do not visit the sea or beaches during unstable weather conditions.
- The concerned authorities emphasize that the safety of everyone is a top priority, urging the public to follow updates and warnings issued by official and authorized sources.
Dubai Parks and Resorts announces temporary closure
As authorities closed parks across the UAE due to the weather, popular attraction Dubai Parks and Resorts have also announced a temporary closure on Wednesday, March 25, KT's Nasreen Abdulla reports.
They, however, have not specified a reason for the closure.
Visitors have been asked to contact the call center for more information on tickets, bookings and refunds.
Multiple waves of instability expected
The current weather is part of a broader pattern of atmospheric instability affecting the country, KT's Haneen Dajani reported.
NCM weather expert Dr Ahmad Habib explained that the UAE will experience successive waves of cloud activity over the coming days:
March 24 (Tuesday): A second wave expected, following a similar pattern starting from western regions and moving inland and north
March 25 (Wednesday): Rain likely to concentrate more over northern and eastern areas, including Al Ain and coastal regions
Late March 26 to March 27: A final wave expected overnight, gradually clearing by March 27
He added: “Rain may stop for an hour or two in some areas, then resume as new cloud bands move in.”
Thunderstorms expected in Oman
صباح اليوم يبشر بأجواء جميلة و ممطرة رعدية احيانا على أغلب محافظات سلطنة عمان.
صور الأقمار الإصطناعية من مخرجات الجيل الحديث pic.twitter.com/ySBExc3TYy— الأرصاد العمانية (@OmanMeteorology) March 25, 2026
Oman's Met Department said that the nation is expecting inclement weather conditions and thunderstorms today.
Public parking continues to be free in Sharjah
Sharjah yesterday said that it is extending the public parking fee exemption until further notice, amid unstable weather conditions. The exemption was first implemented on March 23.
The Sharjah City Municipality added that the exemption applies to all public parking areas across the emirate — including zones that are normally chargeable, which are indicated by blue signs.
Smart parking yards, however, are excluded from this exemption.
Authorities issue repeated reminders
The Ministry of Interior has reminded residents of public safety guidelines, which are as follows:
Do not go out unless necessary
Avoid moving around during strong winds
Always prioritise safety
Driving safely
Reduce speed
Keep a safe distance
Drive only when necessary
Stay calm and cautious
Official news
Get news from official sources
Do not spread rumours
Avoid exaggeration and inaccurate information
Valleys and sea
Avoid valleys and flood channels
Swimming in the sea is prohibited
Stay away from pools of water
Home safety
Secure loose objects
Ensure balconies and surfaces are safe
Remove hazardous items from outdoor areas
Skies get gloomier
As skies in Dubai get darker and the sun takes refuge behind clouds, let's see what the current conditions look like across the country.
As can be seen in the above image, the rains can be seen moving inward from coastal areas and from near Al Dhafra.
Expected weather today
Here's a look at what the expected rainfall could perhaps look like and how it would move in the region.
Springtime instability
Khaleej Times' Azza Al Ali, reported that Ibrahim Al Jarwan, member of the Arab Union for Astronomy and Space Sciences, took to X to explain the current weather conditions.
The current period, he said, marks the season known as ‘Sarayat’ or ‘Marawih’, a time of springtime atmospheric instability during the transitional phase from mid-March to early May.
He explained that this season is characterised by the formation of convective clouds, often accompanied by thunderstorms, rainfall, lightning, thunder, and occasional hail.
Al Jarwan added that a notable spring weather condition is expected between March 21 and March 27.
Waterlogged roads, kids playing in the rain — a glimpse into the weather this week
Heavy rain lashes Dubai on Tuesday, as residents take cover under umbrellas.
Kids playfully navigate waterlogged streets in Sharjah after heavy rains on March 23.
Overcast skies blanket Sharjah and Ajman as clouds roll in, bringing cooler temperatures and a chance of rain on March 24.
A resident covers their feet with plastic bags to protect their shoes footwear while navigating rain-soaked streets on March 23.
Heavy rain lashes Sharjah on Tuesday, as vehicles wade through a waterlogged street.
What's the weather like today?
The UAE is experiencing unstable weather until Friday, bringing with it heavy rains and continuously changing conditions. Yesterday, several parts of the country saw heavy rains, with roads waterlogged in some areas.
Residents who stepped out after the showers on March 23 likely noticed a slight nip in the air — and January-esque weather conditions — a delightful change from the blazing heat.
KT's Haneen Dajani earlier reported that rainfall will continue into Wednesday, with intermittent showers expected from daytime through evening across the country. Conditions are likely to gradually improve overnight, with the chance of rain decreasing.
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