Rainfall And Foggy Skies Hit UAE Despite 48°C Heat

On Wednesday, July 24, people living in different parts of the UAE woke up to a surprising sight. There was rainfall and foggy skies even though the weather was extremely hot. In Mezaira, which is in the Al Dhafra region, the temperature rose as high as 48 degrees Celsius. Many residents felt shocked because they did not expect rain on such a hot day.

Why Did This Rain Happen?

The National Center of Meteorology (NCM) explained why it rained despite the heat. They said that the weather is changing due to something called the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ICTZ). This ICTZ is moving from the south towards the UAE. At the same time, there is also a low-pressure system coming from the south, both on the surface and at upper levels in the atmosphere.

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Because of these weather systems, moist air is coming into the UAE from the Arabian Sea and the Sea of Oman. This moist air mixes with the hot air in the country. When moist air rises and cools, it forms clouds. These are called convective clouds, and they bring rain with them. Sometimes, these clouds can also cause thunderstorms.

What Did The Weather Alert Say?

The UAE’s Met Office issued a weather alert about this change. The alert said that from Friday, July 25, to Monday, July 28, some areas will see more rainfall. This rainfall will not be the same everywhere. Some places might have light rain while others could have heavy showers. There is also a chance of small hail falling from the sky. Hail happens when water droplets freeze in the clouds and fall down as small ice pieces.

Which Areas Will See More Rain?

According to the NCM forecast, the rain will affect the eastern and southern parts of the UAE. Some internal areas away from the coast will also have rain. People living in these areas should stay alert because along with rain, there might be lightning and thunder at times. Thunderstorms can be scary but if people stay indoors, they remain safe.

What Is The ICTZ And Why Is It Important?

The ICTZ or Intertropical Convergence Zone is an area near the equator where winds from the north and south come together. This area usually has a lot of clouds and rain. During some parts of the year, the ICTZ moves north or south. Right now, it is moving towards the UAE from the south. Because of this, the UAE is getting moist air which is forming rain clouds.

How Does Moist Air Cause Rain?

Moist air has a lot of water vapor. When this air rises up in the sky, it starts to cool down. As it cools, the water vapor turns into tiny droplets. These droplets come together to form clouds. When too many droplets come together, they become heavy and fall down as rain. This is why moist air from the Arabian Sea and Sea of Oman is bringing rainfall to the UAE.

How Are People Reacting To The Rain?

Many residents shared videos of rain on social media. They felt happy to see rain because it brought some relief from the extreme heat. However, some people were worried about driving in the rain, especially when there was fog as well. Fog reduces visibility and can cause accidents if drivers are not careful.

What Should Residents Do During Rain And Fog?

Authorities have advised residents to be careful while driving. Here are some tips for staying safe:

• Drive slowly when it is raining or foggy.

• Keep headlights on low beam so that you can see clearly.

• Stay indoors during lightning and thunderstorms.

• Do not stand under trees or near electric poles during a thunderstorm.

• If there is hail, stay inside until it stops.

Will This Rain Help Cool Down The UAE?

Even though it rained, the temperature is still high in many areas. The rain only cools down the weather for a short time. After the rain stops, the temperature rises again because of the strong sun. However, the moisture in the air can make the weather feel humid. People might sweat more and feel sticky.

When Will The Weather Change Again?

According to the weather forecast, this rainy weather is expected to last till Monday, July 28. After that, the UAE might go back to its normal hot and dry conditions. But weather can change anytime, so it is always good to check the daily forecast before going out.

How Does This Weather Affect Life In The UAE?

Rain in the UAE is always special because the country usually has a desert climate with very little rainfall. When it rains, children feel happy as they get to play in the water puddles. Farmers also feel happy because rain helps their crops grow. However, heavy rain can also cause water to collect on roads, leading to traffic jams.

In short, residents across different parts of the UAE saw rain and fog on July 24, despite temperatures going up to 48 degrees Celsius in Mezaira. This weather is due to the ICTZ moving towards the UAE and moist air coming from nearby seas. The Met Office has warned that there will be more rain, lightning, thunder, and even hail in some areas from July 25 to July 28.

People should drive safely and stay indoors during bad weather to remain safe. This rainy spell will not last long, but it will bring a short relief from the scorching summer heat in the UAE.