Scattered showers, shifting winds, and varying sea conditions set to influence the UAE weekend.
Dubai: The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has predicted a significant weather change across the UAE this weekend, with fog warnings, rising temperatures, and a chance of rain expected to impact residents and travellers from Friday to Sunday.
Friday, April 3: Hazy mornings and humid nights
The weekend begins on a mostly fair note, with clear to partly cloudy skies expected across most emirates. Motorists are advised to exercise caution, as humidity levels are forecast to rise sharply after dark and persist into Saturday morning, particularly in inland areas. The NCM has issued warnings for potential fog and mist overnight, which could temporarily reduce visibility on major highways and arterial roads.
Daytime temperatures in Dubai are expected to reach 31°C to 32°C, while Abu Dhabi will be slightly cooler at around 28°C to 29°C. Overnight lows along the country’s coastal areas are likely to drop to 20°C to 21°C. Humidity could climb to 70–80% in some low-lying and inland pockets, making the nights feel considerably muggier. AccuWeather forecasts coastal Dubai to reach highs of approximately 26°C to 28°C, with partly cloudy and hazy conditions continuing into the afternoon.
Friday, April 3: Winds and sea conditions
Winds will be light to moderate from the northwest, ranging from 15 to 25 km/h, occasionally gusting up to 40 km/h. Boaters and water sports enthusiasts should exercise caution, as conditions in the Arabian Gulf are expected to be moderate to rough, with wave heights posing risks for smaller vessels. The Oman Sea, in contrast, will remain relatively calm and slight throughout the day.
Saturday, April 4: Rising temperatures with rain possible
Saturday is expected to be the warmest day of the weekend, with the NCM forecasting a general rise in temperatures. Skies will start fair to partly cloudy, becoming increasingly overcast as the day progresses. Light rainfall is possible over islands and some coastal areas by nightfall, a reminder that April, while mostly dry, still falls within the tail end of the UAE’s limited rain season.
Saturday, April 4: Rising temperatures and moderate winds
Daytime highs on Saturday are expected to reach around 32°C to 33°C in Dubai, with Abu Dhabi slightly cooler at 27°C to 28°C. Ventusky data aligns with the NCM’s forecast, showing Abu Dhabi around 27°C for the day. Humidity is expected to remain moderate during daylight hours but will likely increase as cloud cover thickens toward the evening. Residents planning outdoor activities—such as beach visits, desert drives, or evening dining—should be aware that conditions may become unsettled after sunset.
Winds will persist from the northwest to southwest at 15–25 km/h, with gusts up to 40 km/h. The Arabian Gulf is expected to ease slightly compared to Friday, with sea conditions ranging from moderate to slight, while the Oman Sea remains calm and navigable.
Sunday, April 5: Cloudy skies and scattered showers
Sunday is set to bring the most unsettled weather of the weekend. The NCM forecasts a chance of light rainfall over select coastal and northern areas, with skies partly to significantly cloudy across much of the country. While widespread downpours are not expected, residents in Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Umm Al Quwain, and parts of the northern emirates should keep an umbrella handy. Coastal areas from Sharjah northward may also experience passing showers.
Temperatures are expected to remain steady or rise slightly from Saturday, with highs of 32°C to 33°C in Dubai and the northern emirates, and similar readings in Abu Dhabi. Winds will shift from southeasterly to northeasterly at 10–25 km/h, with gusts up to 35 km/h, bringing a different air flow compared to the dry northwesterly winds earlier in the weekend. Sea conditions in the Arabian Gulf will range from slight to moderate, while the Oman Sea remains calm.
Drivers heading out on Friday morning are strongly advised to slow down on highways if fog forms, as visibility can decrease quickly and unexpectedly in affected areas. The NCM recommends using fog lights, keeping a safe distance from other vehicles, and avoiding overtaking during periods of low visibility.
