Residents across the UAE should prepare for a noticeable change in the weather this week, with the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) forecasting cloudier skies, chances of rain, stronger winds and rough seas from Monday night onwards.
Sunday itself is expected to stay largely fair to partly cloudy, but the outlook for the rest of the working week points to more unsettled conditions, particularly over islands, coastal areas and the north of the country.
Sunday stays warm before clouds build
According to the NCM, Sunday, November 8, brings fair to partly cloudy skies, with some cloud over northern and eastern areas. Khaleej Times, citing the NCM, reported highs of up to 38°C nationwide, with around 35°C in Abu Dhabi and 36°C in Dubai, and lows dropping to about 19°C in internal areas.
Winds are forecast to blow from the southeast to the northeast at 10 to 25km/h, occasionally reaching 35km/h. Seas are expected to be slight in both the Arabian Gulf and the Sea of Oman.
Day-by-day outlook for the week
The NCM’s latest five-day bulletin, as reported by Gulf News on Sunday morning, sets out a gradual shift in conditions:
- Monday, November 9: Partly cloudy to cloudy at times, especially over coastal areas and islands. Winds shift from southeasterly to northwesterly.
- Tuesday, November 10: Light rain is possible from Tuesday morning over islands, some coastal areas and northern parts, with temperatures starting to fall and winds reaching up to 40km/h.
- Wednesday, November 11: Convective clouds may form, bringing rain at intervals over scattered areas and possibly heavy showers in some places. Winds could reach 45km/h, raising dust and reducing visibility.
- Thursday, November 12: Partly cloudy to cloudy skies with a further chance of rain, a slight drop in temperatures and winds of up to 50km/h, mainly offshore.
The NCM attributed the changes to a weak surface pressure system combined with an extension of an upper-air high-pressure system.
Earlier versions of the forecast, published on Saturday, described mainly light rain and placed the strongest winds on Wednesday. The bulletin has since been updated, which is a reminder that conditions can shift from one day to the next.
Rough seas expected in the Arabian Gulf
Sea conditions are one of the main points to watch this week. The NCM expects the Arabian Gulf to turn rough by Tuesday morning and to become rough to very rough at times on Wednesday and Thursday. The Sea of Oman is forecast to go from slight to moderate and rough at times later in the week.
For anyone planning a boat trip, fishing outing, kayaking or a day at the beach, it is worth checking the latest bulletin before setting out, especially from Tuesday onwards.
What residents can do
The week’s outlook follows unsettled spells earlier this month, set out in Al Gulf News’s earlier UAE rain forecast. A few simple steps can help during the coming days:
- Follow the NCM’s official website, app and social media accounts for updated bulletins and any weather alerts.
- Drive carefully if rain or blowing dust reduces visibility, leave a safe distance and avoid sudden lane changes.
- Avoid sea activities when rough conditions are forecast, and follow any instructions from local authorities.
- Secure light items on balconies and rooftops ahead of stronger winds on Wednesday and Thursday.
- Allow extra time for the school run and commute on days when showers are expected.
Temperatures are expected to ease gradually as the week goes on, offering an early taste of the cooler winter months that many residents look forward to.
Sources: Gulf News, Khaleej Times, The Filipino Times.
