Al Ain inhabitants experienced a sudden and dramatic break from temperatures approaching 50°C on Friday when they were hit by rain and hail, despite the scorching summer heat. The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) reports that this week’s peak temperatures in Al Ain were among the warmest in the nation, reaching 49.2°C.
The downpour, accompanied by hail, was reported mainly in the eastern parts of the city, causing both surprise and excitement among residents. Videos and images of the rare weather event quickly flooded social media, showing cars and roads speckled with hailstones – an unusual sight in the middle of the UAE’s scorching summer.
More cloud cover is still predicted by the NCM, particularly over the eastern and southern regions, and there is a potential that convective clouds could form, which could result in more rain. Summer convective activity, which sometimes brings short but heavy showers in the mountains and surrounding areas, is blamed for the unpredictable weather patterns.
It is urged that drivers use caution during these weather conditions because rain and intense heat can cause roads to become slick and visibility to be poor. Residents are urged by authorities to follow official weather briefings in case conditions change.
