ABU DHABI — The United Arab Emirates National Center of Meteorology (NCM) announced on Saturday that the current wave of rainfall and atmospheric instability is expected to last until Monday, April 13, 2026. This prolonged weather event is driven by an extension of surface low-pressure systems from the southwest, which continue to draw moisture into the region from the Arabian Gulf.
Early morning temperatures on Saturday hovered around 24°C in Abu Dhabi and 26°C in Ras Al Khaimah. Residents in the northern and western regions reported heavy cloud formations. According to a weather report for Saturday, southeasterly and northeasterly winds are reaching speeds between 35 and 40 km/h. These winds are lifting dust and sand, which has cut horizontal visibility across many major highways and open areas.
Traffic authorities and police departments across the world and specifically in the UAE have urged extreme caution. They advised motorists to stay away from valleys and flood-prone zones. This advice follows intense storms in March 2026 that caused localized flooding in the Northern Emirates. The NCM noted that convective clouds will likely form over coastal and inland areas, bringing intermittent showers of varying intensity through Sunday and into Monday afternoon.
Government offices and transport hubs remain on high alert. Major airports in Dubai and Abu Dhabi are monitoring flight schedules for potential weather-related delays. As noted in a regional weather update, the moisture inflows remain higher than the historical average for this transitional spring period. Officials have reinforced safety protocols for residents in high-risk zones, suggesting work-from-home options where feasible to reduce road congestion during peak rainfall.
How 2026 Moisture Inflows Are Reshaping Gulf Infrastructure Resilience
The persistence of this weather system until Monday marks the second time in 2026 that a multi-day rain event has required a nationwide safety response. Historically, April weather in the UAE transitions quickly to heat. However, the current moisture surge suggests a shift toward longer-duration precipitation events. This trend is forcing local urban planners to re-evaluate drainage capacity in low-lying areas that were previously considered low-risk for flooding. The increased frequency of these systems indicates that the transitional spring season is becoming more volatile, placing a direct strain on transport logistics and outdoor commercial activities across the Emirates.