Weather Alert: Heavy Rain, Thunderstorms, and Strong Winds Expected on Friday

Abu Dhabi/Dubai, UAE —The UAE National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) predicted that unstable weather is likely to occur on Friday, December 19, 2025, with scattered rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning, hail, and gusty winds in several emirates in the United Arab Emirates.

Forecast Overview

Meteorologists issue warnings that the partly cloudy to cloudy skies that have convective cloud formations will hit a large part of the UAE during the entire day of Friday. The intensity of rainfall will change and some portions may have thunderstorms, lightning, and hail. Temperatures will also be predicted to fall relative to the beginning of this week.

• Winds: Shift from southeasterly to northwesterly, with speeds between 20–40 km/h and gusts up to 60 km/h, potentially causing dust and reduced visibility.
• Sea Conditions: Rough to very rough seas are expected in the Arabian Gulf and the Sea of Oman, posing risks for marine activities.

Safety Measures

Authorities have issued alerts urging residents and visitors to take precautions:

• Road Safety: Motorists should drive carefully and avoid flood-prone areas during heavy rainfall.
• Air Travel: Travelers are advised to check for potential flight delays or cancellations due to adverse weather conditions.
• Government Advisory: Remote work is recommended for employees during peak rainfall and high wind periods.

Officials also remind the public to stay updated with emergency services, including civil defence, police, and ambulance assistance, during severe weather conditions.

Public and Visual Impact

Early news reports of The Dubai describe the intensity of the storm with dramatic lightning strikes taking place in the city. Authorities advise people to pay attention to the official updates, and be careful until the weather conditions normalize.

Outlook

Although Friday is likely to be the worst day, meteorologists expect things to be improving gradually over the weekend, and the rainfall will be less intense, and the wind will be calmer.