Release date: Saturday, August 24, 2024 4:28 PM
Last updated: Saturday, August 24, 2024, 6:49 p.m.
Hail has fallen again, bringing some relief to UAE residents amid the scorching heat. As experts point out, “summer rains” are not an uncommon phenomenon in the UAE. However, while some parts are witnessing rainfall and hail, other parts of the country are experiencing sandstorms.
Watch video of the sandstorm in Sharjah town of Al Madam here, shared by the Storm Centre.
KT Photo: Meher Danjal
According to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), heavy rains were observed in areas of Sharjah including Maleh, Qadaira and Firi. The Meteorological Department has advised residents to be vigilant as heavy rain accompanied by hail and strong downpours are possible in some parts of the eastern part of the country.
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Residents have been warned that winds could cause “microbursts and reduced horizontal visibility” and have been urged to stay away from areas prone to flash flooding.
Not just a winter phenomenon, hail has been observed in the UAE on several occasions in mid-summer over the past few months: Check out this video of the hail in Qadaira, shared by the Storm Centre.
The storm centre also shared videos of heavy rain on Al Watan road leading to Hatta. The NCM had earlier predicted rain over the weekend for some residents, with showers continuing into Sunday.
An orange warning has been issued for thunderstorms, dust and winds. The warning warns that convective cloud formation and strong to gales are possible between 3.05pm and 8pm on Saturday, 24 August.
In a post on X, the Abu Dhabi Civil Defence also urged residents to take caution during rains and “stay away from areas where water accumulates in river valleys”.
The UAE is experiencing summer rains due to a monsoon depression from India. Earlier, in an interview with Khaleej Times, a Meteorological Agency expert said, “The rains usually continue till September 23.”
Earlier, the National Meteorological Center also issued a yellow alert from 1.15pm to 8pm on Saturday, as some parts of the east and south were expected to experience rainfall and strong winds with speeds of up to 45km/h.
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