UAE weather rollercoaster: From record heat to thunderstorms – Forecast and details

For the past two days, we've been tracking this spell of unstable weather with meteorology experts, and today, Tuesday, looks set to be the peak of these dramatic shifts. This morning, we saw a sharp rise in temperatures, and the figures suggest we could be recording a new all-time high during the afternoon. Don't underestimate the sun; the weather in the UAE is currently going through a severe transitional phase.

Tuesday's heat.. set to break records?

All indicators in this week's weather forecast confirm today as the hottest. Some inland areas might see temperatures reach levels we haven't experienced for years. Surface winds will pick up at times, but they won't break the intensity of this dry climate. My advice to businesses and contractors operating on outdoor sites: reschedule any strenuous work for after the afternoon, as your body uses twice the energy in this kind of heat.

Then suddenly.. storms roll in by evening

But the strange thing about this current spell, as shown on weather radar maps, is that this peak heat will be the prelude to a cool, humid air mass moving in overnight. From the evening through to the early hours of dawn, we expect cumulonimbus clouds to form in scattered areas, particularly in the north and east, extending to some inland cities. These clouds could bring with them rain of varying intensity, accompanied by strong, gusty downburst winds and the occasional hail shower. Don't be surprised if you hear thunder after an intensely hot day; that's the nature of the UAE's climate at this time of year.

Key impacts expected from tonight's storm:

• Sudden temperature drop: Could see a fall of more than 10°C within just a few hours.
• Strong downburst winds: Kicking up dust and sand, especially on motorways, potentially leading to reduced visibility.
• Wadi flooding: Particularly in the eastern and northern areas. We urge people there to be cautious and not to risk crossing dry riverbeds (wadis).
• Rough seas: Especially in the Arabian Gulf and the Sea of Oman. It's advisable to avoid marine activities until conditions stabilise.

After the storm.. relatively mild weather

The rest of the week will be more stable and temperate thanks to this cooler air mass. Humidity will rise again, but maximum temperatures will remain below their seasonal averages. For our followers keen on the finer details, I'd recommend keeping an eye on weather radar apps around the clock, because developments in this type of weather system are rapid and cloud paths can change suddenly.

The bottom line: Tuesday is an exceptional day by any measure – a sweltering summer's day transforming into autumnal, thundery conditions within hours. It's nothing to worry about, but it does call for awareness and caution. We wish everyone safety, and as we like to say, "You can only truly relax when the weather's fine."