UAE Weather Live: Several Flights Cancelled as Heavy Rain, Thunderstorms Peak Today
An orange alert was issued on Thursday as heavy rains and thunderstorms lashed the UAE. While many residents didn’t have to leave home for work today, some woke up early in the morning as downpours and strong winds struck their neighbourhoods. In the north, waterfalls gushed out as dark rain clouds hovered over the mountains.
Over the past few days, the UAE has been preparing for this wave of unstable weather, which is forecast to peak today, May 2, until tomorrow, May 3. Safety advisories have been issued across sectors. Schools are on distance learning, while companies are urged to let employees work from home. Parks and beaches have been closed. Airports and airlines are bracing for the impact, too.
Heavy rains have been pounding the country since midnight, with Dubai seeing showers and lightning as early as 2.35am, according to alerts issued by the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM).
While these rains are expected to be less severe than the unprecedented downpour that hit the country earlier this month, the public is urged to take precautions.
With teams on the ground and all hands on deck, Khaleej Times brings you the latest weather updates here:
10.02am: Overflowing wadi
If you’re living near a wadi, be mindful of warnings and guidelines issued by the authorities.
Here’s a view of a valley in Al Ain:
الامارات : الان جريان الأودية في مدينة العين #مركز_العاصفة
— مركز العاصفة (@Storm_centre) May 2, 2024
2_5_2024 pic.twitter.com/NCb0KPgQsI
9.54am: Dubai rain heroes on the ground
Wearing their boots and raincoats, Dubai teams are out in the field to ensure public safety — from managing traffic to handling fallen trees.
Here are photos shared by Dubai Media Office:
9.40am: Water ponds on highways
As heavy rains battered several parts of the UAE, water ponds started forming on some roads, including Dubai’s Sheikh Zayed Road.
Authorities have advised drivers to be cautious on the road.
9.32am: Emirates cancels flights
Several flights were cancelled by Emirates on Thursday due to bad weather across the UAE on Thursday.
Flight movements at Dubai International Airport (DXB) have also been reduced.
9.17am: Is your area under orange alert?
The NCM updates the locations covered by its orange alert for hazardous weather:
9.12am: Spot Burj Khalifa
Here’s a look near Dubai’s Downtown area:
الامارات : الان هطول أمطار الخير على دبي #اخدود_الغدير #مركز_العاصفة
— مركز العاصفة (@Storm_centre) May 2, 2024
2_5_2024 pic.twitter.com/qEk3XLlwgc
