Thunderstorm Alert: Expect Heavy Rainfall Across the Region

UAE Braces for Severe Weather: Thunderstorms and Dust-Raising Winds Expected Across Eastern Regions

The UAE's National Center of Meteorology has issued weather warnings for Tuesday afternoon and evening, forecasting the formation of cumulonimbus clouds that will bring rainfall, strong winds reaching 45 km/h, and dust storms to eastern and southern regions between 2:30 PM and 8:00 PM on July 22, 2025.

Weather Alert Details

The National Center of Meteorology announced via its official X platform account that atmospheric conditions are favorable for the development of towering thunderclouds across targeted areas. These weather systems are expected to generate active to strong winds that will occasionally stir up dust and sand, reducing visibility in affected regions.

The timing of this weather event—during peak afternoon and early evening hours—coincides with the hottest part of the day, when thermal conditions typically favor rapid cloud development in desert climates.

Regional Impact and Safety Considerations

Eastern and Southern Provinces at Risk

The eastern and southern regions of the UAE, which include areas bordering Oman and Saudi Arabia, are particularly susceptible to these weather patterns due to their geographic positioning and terrain features. These areas often experience more dramatic weather variations compared to the coastal emirates.

Wind speeds reaching 45 km/h represent a significant weather event for the region, capable of creating hazardous driving conditions and affecting outdoor activities. The combination of rainfall and dust-raising winds presents a complex weather scenario that requires public awareness and preparation.

Summer Weather Patterns in the Arabian Peninsula

This weather forecast reflects typical summer atmospheric dynamics in the Arabian Peninsula, where intense daytime heating creates conditions for rapid thunderstorm development. Unlike the monsoon-influenced weather patterns seen in South Asia during the same period, the UAE's summer storms tend to be more localized and shorter in duration but can be intense.

The July timing is particularly noteworthy, as it falls within the region's hottest months when surface temperatures can exceed 45°C, creating strong thermal updrafts that fuel cloud formation.

Implications for Daily Life and Business

The six-hour weather window from mid-afternoon to early evening will likely impact commuter traffic, outdoor construction work, and aviation schedules. Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports, while not directly in the forecast zone, may experience secondary effects from regional weather patterns.

For residents and businesses in affected areas, this forecast serves as a reminder of the importance of monitoring official weather updates during the summer months, when seemingly clear skies can rapidly develop into significant weather events.