If you were hoping tomorrow brings dry roads and clear skies, think again. The National Centre of Meteorology has confirmed that intermittent rainfall of varying intensity will persist across many parts of the country until Friday, March 27 — and Tuesday is far from an exception.
The NCM specifically forecasts intermittent rainfall on Tuesday, March 24, across scattered areas, extending at night to western, eastern, coastal areas and islands. In short, the wet weather isn’t packing up after today. It’s staying put through the workweek.
Monday was already a bruising day across the Emirates. Heavy rain swept across the UAE, bringing flashes of lightning, claps of thunder, and a significant drop in temperatures. Rainfall affected Abu Dhabi and its neighbouring suburbs, Al Dhafra, Al Ain, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, and several other areas. Roads flooded. Streets closed. Flights were disrupted. And the science behind it all? A surface low-pressure system combined with an extension of an upper-air low-pressure trough is driving the unsettled conditions, increasing cloud formation and the probability of convective rainfall over scattered areas.
Here’s what every city can expect tomorrow — and what you need to know before you step out.
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Dubai weather forecast: Tuesday, March 24
In Dubai, temperatures will range between 25°C and 28°C during the day, with overnight lows between 21°C and 22°C. Expect cloudy skies through most of the morning, with scattered showers likely to push through at intervals.
Thunderstorms are expected in parts of the emirate on several days during the week, with daytime temperatures ranging between 26°C and 30°C across the broader forecast period.
Strong winds of up to 50 km/h could lift sand and dust, reducing visibility and creating dangerous driving conditions. If you’re commuting on the Sheikh Zayed Road or heading to Business Bay, budget extra time. Wet roads and wind gusts are a combination that catches drivers off guard — especially those used to dry-weather driving.
Dubai Airport has already issued a standing advisory. DXB has alerted travellers that adverse weather conditions are expected from March 23 to 27. Passengers are advised to allow extra travel time when heading to DXB or DWC airports and to check flight status directly with their airline before departing. Check before you leave home. Seriously.
Abu Dhabi weather forecast: Tuesday, March 24
Tuesday in Abu Dhabi brings partly cloudy skies with a chance of scattered rainfall. Winds will blow between 15–25 km/h, gusting up to 45. Sea conditions will be slight to moderate and rough at times.
In Abu Dhabi, a similar rain pattern continues throughout the week. Rainfall chances peak early in the week, with temperatures reaching highs between 27°C and 33°C, and lows between 20°C and 22°C. Conditions begin to clear by the weekend, with sunshine returning from Saturday.
Abu Dhabi City Municipality has already announced the temporary closure of all parks, recreational facilities, and affiliated beaches. All events are suspended until further notice, with authorities emphasising that public safety is the top priority. Al Ain is also on watch — rain is forecast to extend at night towards northern and eastern areas as well as Al Ain, so residents in the Garden City should keep an eye on the overnight hours.
Sharjah weather: What happened today — and what’s coming
Sharjah bore some of the sharpest disruption Monday. Sharjah Police announced the temporary closure of Al Uzwa Street (Suhaila) in Al Dhaid following heavy rainfall that caused wadis in the area to overflow. The closure affected traffic in both directions — from Ras Al Khaimah towards Manama and from Al Dhaid towards Masafi.
By evening, the General Command of Sharjah Police announced the reopening of Al Ezwah Street in Al Dhaid city in both directions, after it had been temporarily closed due to heavy rainfall and the flow of watercourses. Roads re-opened — but authorities are urging the public to stay away from valleys and dams, which can surge again without much warning.
For Tuesday: expect more of the same in Sharjah. Scattered showers, reduced visibility, and the ongoing risk of localised flooding in low-lying areas. Sharjah Municipality has also suspended public parking fees for affected areas — a small relief, but a useful one.
Flash flood warning: Mountain areas on high alert
This one is especially important if you’re in or around the Hajar Mountains, Fujairah, Dibba, or Wadi areas. The NCM issued a flash flood warning for some mountain areas on March 23, running from 13:20 to 23:00. Residents are urged to exercise caution during rainfall and avoid areas prone to flooding.
That warning does not vanish at midnight. With rain continuing Tuesday across eastern and northern areas, wadi levels can rise fast and without obvious warning. Authorities warned residents and travellers to stay away from valleys, dams and water accumulation, stressing that water levels can rise rapidly and pose serious risks.
The NCM even shared footage of waterfalls forming in Wadi Dibba Al Fujairah today — visually dramatic, but a real reminder of how quickly these landscapes transform when the clouds open up.
What the authorities are saying
Multiple government bodies issued coordinated advisories through the day. A summary of what they’re telling you:
The Ministry of Interior urged residents to take precautions as thunderstorms, rain, strong winds, and occasional hail affect parts of the country. The advice: stay indoors unless necessary, protect vehicles and outdoor property, and drive carefully on wet roads. Those caught outdoors during hail should seek safe shelter, while motorists are advised to park safely and remain inside if conditions worsen.
Abu Dhabi Mobility called on delivery motorcycle riders to strictly avoid providing delivery services during unstable weather conditions. If you’re a rider, this isn’t a suggestion. Wet roads and low visibility on two wheels are a dangerous combination.
Dubai Police have laid out specific road safety rules too. The police force urged motorists to ensure headlights are on in low visibility, avoid areas susceptible to flash flooding and water pooling, and stay away from open or elevated locations during thunderstorms.
And NCEMA has been clear about its posture throughout. Officials confirmed that thunder and other related sounds heard across the UAE are normal during such weather events and do not indicate any immediate threat. NCEMA emphasised that in the event of any danger, warnings and instructions will be issued promptly through the National Early Warning System. So if your phone buzzes with an official alert — pay attention to it.
Flights, transport, and getting around
Emirates has issued a travel advisory covering the full period. The airline alerted passengers to potential travel disruptions across the UAE and advised them to check flight status, allow extra time for travel, and follow safety instructions from authorities.
Air Arabia also flagged disruptions. The carrier warned that adverse weather may affect operations at Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, and Ras Al Khaimah airports, urging passengers to check flight status before heading to the airport and to only travel with a confirmed booking.
On the ground, intercity bus services between Dubai, Sharjah, and Ajman have faced suspension at various points today. Check RTA’s official channels before heading to a bus station.
One thing worth flagging for private sector workers: MoHRE has previously clarified that during periods of extreme weather disruption, commute time may count as official working hours under specific conditions. If your commute was significantly delayed today, it’s worth checking with your HR team.
Fines you need to know about
The UAE doesn’t just issue weather warnings — it enforces them. If you gather near flood-prone areas, dams, or valleys during heavy rain, you face a fine of Dh1,000 and 6 black points.
The Dubai Media Office reminded residents of penalties for violations during rainy weather, with fines reaching up to Dh2,000 for those who ignore official safety instructions. This includes venturing into marked flood zones, failing to comply with road closures, and ignoring police diversions. The rules exist for a reason — and authorities are actively monitoring compliance.
The full-week forecast at a glance
For those planning ahead:
Tuesday and Wednesday bring continued cloud build-up with scattered rain of varying intensity across the country. Thursday through the following Saturday will see further convective cloud development, bringing scattered rain as the unstable system persists.
Conditions begin to clear by the weekend in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi, with sunshine expected to return from Saturday. Until then, assume rain is possible every day — and plan around it.
The coldest spot in the UAE today? Jebel Jais in Ras Al Khaimah recorded the lowest temperature at 12.4°C at 7:00 AM. If you’re heading to the mountains this week, pack accordingly.
Official forecast: ncm.gov.ae | Real-time radar: rain.ae
