Cooler temperatures and scattered showers are forecast across the UAE through early next week.
Dubai: Rain showers and unusually cool temperatures across the UAE this week may seem surprising for April, but meteorologists say these conditions are a normal part of the country’s transition from winter to summer.
The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) said the country is currently experiencing a spell of unsettled yet pleasant weather, with rain expected to begin early Thursday and continue intermittently through Monday.
Most of the rainfall is expected to be light to moderate across scattered areas, with heavier showers possible in parts of the western and eastern regions.
Is rain unusual at this time of year?
According to Dr Ahmed Habib, a meteorology expert at the NCM, rainfall during this period is not uncommon.
“This is a transitional season between winter and summer, and spring typically brings variable weather, including rainfall of varying intensity across the UAE,”
Dr Habib noted that similar conditions were observed in April 2024 and emphasized that such weather patterns are common not only in the UAE but across the wider Middle East at this time of year.
He explained that the primary cause is the interaction of different air masses, with cooler air lingering from winter colliding with warmer, sometimes humid air advancing as summer approaches. This interaction can result in cloud formation, strong winds, dust activity, and rainfall.
Why does it still feel cool?
The fluctuating temperatures are also part of this seasonal transition. Dr Habib explained that temperature changes depend on which air mass is dominant.
When cooler air systems from the north dominate, temperatures drop and conditions feel milder. When warmer air masses from the south move in, temperatures rise again. This is why residents may experience warm days followed by several cooler ones.
When moisture and low-pressure systems are also present, these conditions can lead to cloud formation and rainfall.
How do current temperatures compare historically?
So far, temperatures remain within the normal historical range for this time of year, according to the NCM.
Dr Habib said temperatures may vary slightly above or below the seasonal average but generally remain within expected ranges. This helps explain the pattern of brief warm spells followed by cooler periods.
How long will this weather last?
These weather fluctuations are expected to continue throughout the spring season, with gradual stabilization as summer approaches.
“As long as we remain in the spring period, we can expect these weather variations,” Dr Habib said, noting that conditions typically begin to stabilize toward the start of summer on June 21, when temperatures gradually rise and weather variability decreases.
