Environment & Sustainability

Heavy Rain Sweeps UAE in Waves as NCM Reveals Top 5 Rainfall Records

Residents across the United Arab Emirates experienced one of the heaviest rainfall episodes of the season this week, as storms moved across multiple emirates in successive waves, causing flooding, traffic disruptions, and rapidly changing weather conditions.

According to the National Centre of Meteorology, the following were the top five recorded rainfall levels as of Monday:

Al Manama (Ajman): 93.3mm
Ghayathi (Abu Dhabi): 91mm
Al Wathba (Abu Dhabi): 88.2mm
Mohammed Bin Zayed City (Abu Dhabi): 78.7mm
Al Ruwais (Abu Dhabi): 75.7mm

The intense downpours affected both residential areas and major highways, with residents reporting waterlogged roads and intermittent bursts of heavy rain that came and went throughout the day.

Meteorologists said the weather system initially developed over western regions, including Al Dhafra, before spreading inland across Abu Dhabi and beyond. By afternoon, rainfall had extended to parts of Dubai, including Jebel Ali and Al Barsha, while eastern and northern regions such as Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah were expected to see heavier showers later in the day.

In several areas of Abu Dhabi, moderate to heavy rainfall led to water accumulation and minor flooding in low-lying zones. Authorities have urged motorists to exercise caution, particularly in areas with reduced visibility and standing water.

The NCM has warned that the unsettled weather is expected to continue until March 27, with multiple waves of instability forecast throughout the week. These waves are expected to bring intermittent rainfall rather than continuous showers, with breaks of one to two hours between cloud activity.

Forecast highlights include:

Tuesday: Scattered rain across the country, with increased activity at night in coastal and island areas
Wednesday: Intermittent rainfall, shifting towards eastern regions and Al Ain by night
Thursday: Limited morning activity, followed by rain in northern and eastern areas later in the day
Friday: Rain expected to begin in western and coastal regions before gradually easing

Authorities continue to prioritise public safety, advising residents to remain alert and follow official updates as the country navigates one of its most active weather periods this year.