MAYS IBRAHIM (ABU DHABI)

Abu Dhabi residents experienced a spell of rainfall this week, with light to moderate showers affecting various parts of the emirate.

For many, the sight of raindrops falling on the city's streets was welcomed, offering a brief respite from the rising temperature.

Resident Ayesha Amr was hosting an outdoor iftar on Tuesday evening in her garden when the first few drops of rain began to fall. "It was such a pleasant surprise," she told Aletihad.

"We were enjoying our iftar outside when the air began to cool, and we felt a few drops. It felt like a blessing, especially during Ramadan."

The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) UAE weather bulletin predicts partly cloudy to cloudy skies on Thursday with the possibility of light to moderate showers during the daytime over some areas.

The forecast also indicates northwesterly winds ranging from 10 to 25km/h, occasionally strengthening to 40km/h, leading to blowing dust. 

The Arabian Gulf is expected to be moderate to rough at times, while the Oman Sea will remain slight to moderate.

For those making weekend plans, Friday should bring clear skies, although early morning fog or mist is expected, especially along the coast and in internal areas.

Humidity is expected to increase at night and into Saturday morning, bringing a possibility of fog or mist, particularly along the coast and in interior. Winds will remain light to moderate, with speeds reaching up to 35km/h.

Saturday will see similar conditions, with fair to partly cloudy skies and low clouds forming in the east. Humidity will continue overnight into Sunday morning, increasing the chance of fog or mist formation, especially in western coastal and internal areas. Wind speeds may reach up to 40 km/h, causing occasional blowing dust.

By Sunday, the forecast suggests a gradual rise in temperatures, with partly cloudy skies and a chance of light rainfall in eastern areas. 

The humid conditions will persist into Monday morning, bringing another round of possible fog or mist in the west. Winds will continue at speeds of up to 40 km/h, with slight to moderate seas in both the Arabian Gulf and the Oman Sea.

Climate Outlook for the Season

According to the NCM Seasonal Climate Outlook for March-May 2025, temperatures across the UAE are expected to be above normal, with an increased probability (>60%) of warmer-than-average conditions. 

Forecast models suggest temperature anomalies ranging from 0.5°C to 1.5°C above the usual seasonal averages. 

With Ramadan gatherings and outdoor activities in full swing, the brief spell of rain has been a refreshing change, adding a touch of coolness to the season before temperatures inevitably rise in the coming weeks.

Rainfall is likely to remain near normal, with a probability of around 40% for most of the UAE. Some regions in the southern peninsula may experience below-normal precipitation, though no significant deviations are anticipated.