The UAE is preparing for the possibility of increased rainfall in its eastern and southern regions, as early data indicates potential effects from a tropical depression developing in the Arabian Sea. Authorities have also warned of rough seas and the risk of coastal flooding.
Last week, the UAE’s National Center of Meteorology (NCM) alerted residents about the formation of a potential tropical depression in the Arabian Sea, monitoring the emergence of a low-pressure system.
In response, the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA) held a critical meeting with the Joint Assessment Team to evaluate the possible impacts of the severe weather conditions. The meeting focused on ensuring the nation’s preparedness and safety.
Initial data suggests that the UAE may only experience indirect effects from the tropical depression. Authorities reviewed strategies to enhance readiness, including closely monitoring the weather system’s path and trends.
If conditions worsen, safety guidelines will be communicated through official UAE channels. Citizens and residents have been urged to stay informed through weather updates and follow any advisories to ensure their safety.
In recent days, parts of the UAE have experienced heavy rains, hailstorms, and flooding in valleys. In areas like Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah, waterfalls have flowed down the mountains, causing wadis to overflow.
The NCM had earlier warned about a low-pressure system forming south of the Arabian Sea near India’s western coast, which is expected to move toward the central Arabian Sea and intensify around October 14-15.
Meanwhile, Oman’s National Emergency Management Committee has activated the National Emergency Management Centre, along with its sectors and sub-committees in South Al Sharqiyah, Al Wusta, and Dhofar governorates, in anticipation of the tropical depression’s impact. Authorities in Oman have raised the alert level and urged residents to take precautions to protect lives and property while staying informed through official sources.
As for the weather in the coming days, the rainy ‘Al Wasmi’ season in the UAE, which begins in mid-October and runs until December 6, signals the transition into cooler months. Rain showers in the eastern regions are expected to continue for the next few days, though conditions should subside by Tuesday. These rains are typical for this time of year.
Wind patterns in the Arabian Sea, which usually rotate clockwise during the summer, bringing monsoon rains to India’s west coast, are transitioning. They are expected to shift to an anticlockwise flow, marking the end of the monsoon season and potentially bringing winter rains to regions like Somalia in the Horn of Africa.
