National Centre of Meteorology warns of light to heavy showers until 9 pm following intense storms across Abu Dhabi
ABU DHABI, Aug 22, 2026:The UAE National Centre of Meteorology has issued a weather warning across eastern, southern, and western regions on Saturday, warning residents to prepare for convective cloud developments capable of producing localized heavy downpours until 9 pm.
The latest safety advisory from forecasters follows severe atmospheric instability on Friday, when lightning strikes, thunder, and torrential rain swept across major sections of Abu Dhabi.
Meteorologists expect convective cloud formations—dense vertical clouds associated with sudden surface-level cloudbursts and gusty winds—to build rapidly throughout Saturday afternoon. The atmospheric system is projected to push into select inland areas before activity subsides later in the evening.
Temperatures across the country are expected to climb gradually despite the sporadic precipitation. Surface winds will remain light to moderate overall, though regional convective cells may push localized wind squalls to speeds of 40 kilometers per hour. These temporary squalls could trigger blowing dust, slightly reducing visibility along open desert freeways.
Relative humidity will rise significantly overnight into Sunday morning across low-lying coastal zones. Marine conditions remain favorable, with slight sea states reported in both the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.
Fair to partly cloudy conditions will persist through Sunday, though afternoon cloud developments over the eastern mountains remain likely. Similar convective activity is expected to recur on Monday and Tuesday afternoons, with coastal areas facing higher humidity levels and potential morning fog or mist early next week.
