By Staff Reporter
The United Arab Emirates is currently experiencing one of its most dynamic spring weather periods, with unstable conditions expected to continue across the country until March 27. This shift is driven by the seasonal phase known as “Sarayat,” a transitional period marked by heightened atmospheric activity between mid-March and early May.
According to Ibrahim Al Jarwan of the Arab Union for Astronomy and Space Sciences, the Sarayat season, also referred to as “Marawih,” is typically characterised by the formation of convective clouds. These conditions often trigger thunderstorms, lightning, heavy rainfall, and occasional hail, creating rapidly changing weather patterns.
The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has warned that multiple waves of instability will affect the UAE throughout the week. These waves are expected to bring intermittent rainfall, thunderstorms, and varying cloud cover across different regions.
The current weather system began with rainfall in the western parts of the country, particularly in Al Dhafra, before spreading inland. Areas such as Abu Dhabi and Al Ain experienced showers ranging from light rain to more intense downpours. On March 23, parts of Abu Dhabi recorded moderate to heavy rainfall, leading to water accumulation on roads and minor flooding in low-lying areas.
As the system progressed, rainfall extended to Dubai, including Jebel Ali and Al Barsha, while eastern and northern regions such as Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah also saw increased cloud activity and showers.
Meteorologists indicate that this pattern is part of a broader cycle of successive weather disturbances moving across the country. By midweek, rainfall is expected to shift toward northern and eastern areas, including coastal regions and Al Ain, before gradually easing late at night.
A brief break in conditions is anticipated on Thursday morning, but rain is likely to return later in the day, particularly in the northern and eastern regions. The final wave is forecast to arrive between late Thursday night and Friday, beginning in coastal and western areas before moving inland.
Overall conditions are expected to improve gradually by March 27.
The NCM has emphasized that rainfall will occur intermittently rather than continuously in one location, as cloud bands move across the country in phases. Residents are advised to remain cautious, especially when driving, as roads in some areas may become waterlogged due to sudden downpours.
Source: Khaleeji Times
