Parts of the UAE could experience afternoon rainfall on Wednesday, October 21, as shifting winds bring blowing dust and gusts of up to 50 km/h. The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) expects cloud development over eastern areas, with possible showers extending into some inland and western locations.
The forecast also points to hot conditions during the day, followed by rising humidity overnight. Some coastal and inland areas could experience mist by Thursday morning, potentially affecting visibility during early commutes.
The outlook means residents may encounter different conditions depending on their location. Rain is possible rather than guaranteed, and the development of convective clouds could bring localised changes in wind strength and visibility.
Where could rain fall in the UAE?
The NCM forecast indicates that clouds are likely to develop over eastern parts of the country before extending towards some inland and western areas during the afternoon. The pattern is associated with an extension of a surface low-pressure system and an upper-air low-pressure system, according to the forecast reported by Gulf News.
Eastern areas are among the locations to watch as clouds build. However, the forecast does not mean that every emirate or neighbourhood will receive rain.
Residents planning outdoor activities should check the latest local forecast before setting out, particularly if their plans involve eastern mountain areas or open roads where conditions can change quickly.
Winds could reach 50 km/h and raise dust
Winds are expected to blow from the southeast to northeast at around 10–25 km/h, becoming stronger at times when clouds develop. Gusts could reach 50 km/h in inland and mountainous areas, while coastal areas and islands could experience speeds of up to 35 km/h, according to the NCM forecast.
Stronger winds may lift dust and reduce horizontal visibility in exposed locations. Drivers should leave sufficient distance from vehicles ahead, reduce speed when visibility deteriorates and follow any road instructions issued by the relevant authorities.
Motorists travelling through areas affected by rain should also avoid sudden braking and sharp turns. Those heading towards mountainous terrain should check weather conditions before departure.
Temperatures remain high despite the chance of rain
Rain-bearing clouds will not necessarily bring cool conditions across the country. The forecast places inland temperatures between 35°C and 41°C, while coastal areas and islands could record highs of 34°C to 38°C. Mountainous areas are expected to be cooler, with temperatures ranging from 26°C to 32°C.
For Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, a separate forecast published by Khaleej Times puts daytime highs at 39°C, 38°C and 39°C respectively. The respective forecast lows are 28°C, 26°C and 28°C.
Residents should continue to take precautions against the heat, especially when spending extended periods outdoors. The possibility of rain should not be taken as a sign that temperatures will fall substantially throughout the day.
Humidity could bring mist on Thursday morning
Humidity is expected to increase overnight and into Thursday morning in some coastal and inland areas. The forecast indicates that relative humidity could reach 90% in some locations, raising the possibility of mist formation.
Mist can make early-morning journeys more difficult by reducing visibility, particularly along roads near coastal and inland areas. Drivers leaving home early on Thursday should allow extra time for their journeys and pay attention to changing road conditions.
Marine conditions are forecast to remain slight in both the Arabian Gulf and the Sea of Oman on Wednesday.
What happens after Wednesday?
The unsettled pattern may continue beyond Wednesday, although the forecast suggests that rain chances and wind speeds will vary over the following days.
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Thursday, October 22: Further afternoon cloud development and possible rain are forecast over eastern and western areas. Winds could reach 40 km/h, with dust possible.
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Friday, October 23: Fair to partly cloudy conditions are expected, with clouds developing over eastern areas. Winds could reach 35 km/h, and mist or fog may form in some areas overnight.
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Saturday, October 24: Temperatures are forecast to begin falling gradually, with possible convective clouds over eastern and northern areas. Winds could reach 35 km/h.
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Sunday, October 25: Fair to partly cloudy weather is expected, with clouds appearing over eastern areas. Humidity may again bring a chance of mist or fog overnight.
These are forecast conditions and may change as the weather develops. Residents should consult the NCM’s latest updates for location-specific information before travelling or planning outdoor activities.
Q1. Will it rain in the UAE on October 21, 2026?
Rain is possible in parts of the UAE on Wednesday, October 21. The forecast identifies eastern areas and some inland and western locations as areas where afternoon clouds could bring showers.
Q2. Where is rain expected in the UAE?
The forecast points to eastern areas, with rain-bearing clouds potentially extending into some inland and western parts of the country. Rainfall is not guaranteed in every location.
Q3. How strong will winds be in the UAE today?
Winds could reach 50 km/h in inland and mountainous areas. Coastal areas and islands could experience wind speeds of up to 35 km/h.
Q4. Will Dubai experience rain on October 21?
Rain is possible in parts of the UAE, but the available forecast does not guarantee rainfall in Dubai. Residents should check the latest local forecast for updated conditions.
Q5. What temperatures are expected across the UAE?
Inland temperatures are forecast to range from 35°C to 41°C, coastal areas and islands from 34°C to 38°C, and mountainous areas from 26°C to 32°C.
Q6. Is fog or mist expected in the UAE on Thursday morning?
Mist is possible in some coastal and inland areas as humidity increases overnight and into Thursday morning. Conditions will vary by location.
Q7. Will the UAE continue to experience rain later this week?
Further showers are possible on Thursday, October 22, particularly over eastern and western areas. The outlook for the weekend is generally fair to partly cloudy, with further cloud development possible in some regions.
Q8. What precautions should drivers take during rain and dusty weather?
Drivers should slow down when visibility deteriorates, maintain a safe distance from other vehicles and follow official road instructions. Those travelling through mountainous areas should check current weather conditions before departure.
