UAE hit by heavy rain, thunderstorms: Friday live updates

NCM signals shift in weather pattern as alert extends into early Saturday

The National Centre of Meteorology released its 19^th update at 7:40 PM on March 27, 2026, with the convective cloud alert running from 8:00 PM through to midnight.

A notable shift in the coverage pattern is visible compared to earlier updates, with the orange “Be Prepared” level now concentrated across the central, southern, and western parts of the country, including Abu Dhabi, Liwa, Hamim, and Habshan, as well as the eastern coastal areas of Fujairah and Khorfakkan.

The northern areas, including Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah, have moved to the yellow “Be Aware” advisory, suggesting a gradual easing of hazardous conditions in the north as the weather system shifts southward heading into the early hours of Saturday, March 28.

Dubai Police calls on all road users to follow safety guidelines amid heavy rainfall

Dubai Police has urged motorists, cyclists, and e-scooter riders to adhere to road safety guidelines during the current unstable weather and heavy rainfall.

The public is reminded to call 999 for emergencies and 901 for non-emergency assistance.

Sharjah Police direct motorists to Emirates Road amid ongoing weather conditions

Sharjah Police are directing all road users travelling between Sharjah and other emirates to use Emirates Road, where traffic is currently flowing smoothly.

Those heading to the Eastern Region are advised to take Emirates Road and continue through the Khorfakkan Tunnel to reach their destination.

The public is also urged to limit travel to essential trips only to stay safe and ease congestion on the roads. For assistance or inquiries, Sharjah Police can be reached around the clock on 901.

NCM maintains orange alert across most of UAE as weather system approaches evening

The National Centre of Meteorology issued its 18^th update at 4:45 PM on March 27, 2026, with the convective cloud alert valid through to 8:00 PM.

The coverage pattern remains virtually unchanged from update 17, with the orange “Be Prepared” level continuing to dominate across the northern, central, and western parts of the country, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah.

The southern areas around Habshan, Liwa, and Hamim remain largely under the yellow “Be Aware” advisory, with small pockets of orange persisting in the far south, indicating that hazardous weather conditions are expected to continue through the evening.

NCM’s update shows weather system shifting northward across UAE

The National Centre of Meteorology issued its 16th update at 1:45 PM on March 27, 2026, with the convective cloud alert running through to 5:45 PM.

Compared to the morning update, the coverage pattern has shifted, with the orange “Be Prepared” level now concentrated across the northern half of the country, including Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and the western regions extending towards Dalma.

The southern areas, including Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Habshan, Liwa, and Hamim, have moved to the yellow “Be Aware” advisory, suggesting a gradual easing of hazardous conditions in the south as the weather system progresses northward.

RTA’s integrated smart systems ensure real-time traffic management across Dubai amid changing weather

As weather conditions continue to fluctuate, the Roads and Transport Authority’s systems are operating in a fully coordinated manner to keep traffic moving smoothly throughout Dubai.

The connection between the Dubai Intelligent Traffic Systems Centre and the Unified Control Centre enables live data to be translated into immediate decisions and rapid on-ground responses, helping ensure more seamless journeys for all road users.

Lost your vehicle plate in the rain? Here’s how to get a replacement

Motorists who have lost or damaged their vehicle plate due to heavy rainfall can request a replacement through the relevant service available on the RTA or Dubai Police websites.

Dubai Police steps up field operations to maintain road safety amid ongoing wet weather

Dubai Police has deployed specialised teams across the emirate to ensure road safety and maintain traffic flow as rainy conditions persist.

The intensified efforts are part of a coordinated response built on rapid inter-agency collaboration, heightened operational readiness, and encouraging motorists to comply with traffic regulations and safety guidelines.

NCEMA urges public to keep away from valleys and flooded areas during unstable weather

The National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority has warned that valleys and flooded zones become significantly more dangerous during changing weather conditions, as water levels can rise suddenly and without warning.

The authority urges the public to stay clear of these areas and refrain from attempting to cross them, stressing that adhering to this guidance is essential to protecting lives and minimising risk.

Al Taween records highest rainfall in UAE as low-pressure system sweeps across the country

Fujairah experienced varying levels of rainfall as a low-pressure system continued its passage across the UAE.

The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) confirmed that Al Taween topped the national rainfall chart on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, with 47.9mm, followed by Al Marjan in Ras Al Khaimah with 39.7mm, Khorfakkan in Sharjah with 33.3mm, and Khatam Al Shiklah in Abu Dhabi with 31.6mm.

The weather brought cooler temperatures and caused streams to flow in mountainous areas, with authorities continuing to urge the public to stay clear of valley run-offs.

RTA field teams work round the clock to clear rainwater and keep Dubai roads safe

The Roads and Transport Authority is maintaining continuous monitoring of weather conditions across Dubai, with field teams actively working to drain rainwater accumulations and ensure the safety of road users and smooth traffic flow.

RTA warns of temporary bus route disruptions amid ongoing weather conditions

The Roads and Transport Authority has advised passengers that some bus services may face temporary interruptions due to the current weather conditions, as part of measures to ensure passenger safety.

Updates on service resumption will be communicated as soon as they become available.

NCM issues 14th update as convective cloud alert expands to cover most of the UAE

The National Centre of Meteorology released its 14th update at 7:30 AM on March 27, 2026, covering the period through to 11:30 AM.

The latest alert marks a significant expansion in coverage compared to earlier updates, with the majority of the UAE now under the orange “Be Prepared” level, indicating expected hazardous weather and the need to adhere to official guidance.

This includes Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and wide stretches of the western and central interior. The northern and eastern areas, including Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and surrounding coastal zones, along with parts of the southern region around Liwa and Hamim, are placed on the yellow “Be Aware” advisory, urging caution particularly for those venturing outdoors.