UAE, Jan 19 (Emirates 24|7): Overcast skies gave way to rain showers that lashed parts of the country in the morning hours of Monday January 19, even as the 'unstable' weather pattern is forecasted to blow in some thunder and strong winds until Tuesday.

The country's weather bureau has warned the country will face stormy skies over the next 24 hours, as wind speeds pick up to 60 kilometres per hour over the waters of the Arabian Gulf, while dropping by 10kmph or so over land.

Speaking to Emirates 24|7, a spokesperson for the UAE's NCMS said: "The unstable weather pattern, which started late on Monday, will continue until midday on Tuesday, bringing with it fresh to strong winds over the sea, scattered rain is most of the country and rising dust over open areas."

The spokesperson stated the weather was caused due to the cold air in the upper atmosphere, resulting a deep low pressure system with a very strong upward motion that will create extra water vapour in the atmosphere and low clouds.

"The thunderstorms will be temporary, limited largely to the northern part of the country, specifically Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah and Sharjah, but the rains will be experienced even in Dubai and Abu Dhabi," the spokesperson further added.

Hail and floods

While the UAE reels from an ‘unstable’ weather pattern that is expected to last 24 hours, Abu Dhabi has borne the brunt of the storm with hail pounding down on commuters in the morning hours of Monday.

A hail storm was reported in parts of Sweiham, Shahama and Al Taweela, experienced by commuters driving down the highway between Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

The country’s National Centre for Meteorology and Seismology (NMCS) confirmed the news with Emirates 24|7, saying: “There was heavy rain and hail in parts of Al Ajban, Abu Dhabi last night and this morning.”

Meanwhile Abu Dhabi Police has urged commuters to proceed with caution as thunderstorms and high cross winds continue to lash the capital.

The government authority tweeted: “Medium to heavy rain on different areas in city of Abu Dhabi and highways. Motorists are urged to drive cautiously.”

Commuters in the northern part of the country are facing their own weather chaos during the morning drive, with residents in Ras Al Khaimah waking up to a flooded city and high cross winds amidst the thunder and lightning storm.

Cars were submerged in water-clogged streets, as commuters complained of taking twice the time to get into work, only to find those areas flooded.

The UAE’s National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority has warned people to stay away from flowing water during a lightning storm as flooding began in parts of the country.

The RAK Police has issued an alert warning residents to avoid Wadi Bih tweeting: “We emphasize the importance of not frequenting in mountainous areas such as Wadi Bhi or such places to avoid flooded valleys.”

It further stated: “There is a great pool of water in the Ras Al Khaimah Marine Sports Club area on the Corniche denominators causing huge traffic of vehicles.”

Traffic affected

A vehicle caught fire on Sheikh Zayed Road this morning, northbound, with Dubai Police confirming the incident, even as Civil Defence crews arrive on the scene. According to images, a black SUV has caught fire and is in the emergency breakdown lane at the central divider.

Dubai Police tweeted the same saying: “A vehicle caught on fire on Sheikh Zayed Road from the 4th bridge towards Dubai, resulting in traffic delays.”

The traffic situation on E66 has worsened, with commuters reporting of being stuck in traffic for an hour around 9.30am. An eye witness spoke to Emirates 24|7 saying: “The road is free flowing from Al Ain, up until Dubai Outlet Mall; then it’s complete gridlock from Skycourts and beyond, heading into Dubai.”

Two cars flipped over in Dubai. One car reportedly overturned on Jumeirah Beach Road, near Mercato Mall, with traffic piling up in the area. One car over-turned near Discovery Gardens.

Dubai Police has also warned of traffic congestion on Oman Street, heading towards Baghdad Street. There is also slow moving traffic reported heading towards Business Bay from Sharjah and the Airport Tunnel.

The RTA Sharjah has appealed to morning commuters to be careful and ensure the efficiency of their windshield wipers and brakes before setting off in the rainy weather.

The Ras Al Khaimah Police has also appealed to drivers of saloon cars to avoid entering water-clogged streets where their vehicles may get stuck.

The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) has warned people to stay away from flowing water, tweeting: “In cases of rain and lightning, stay away from flowing water streams and valleys.”

Cooler climes

Meanwhile, residents may want to reach for their sweaters once again, as the rain and the high winds will also create a significant drop in the Mercury, with the NCMS stating the weather will see a five-degree Celsius drop in the coming days.

"The average lows could reach between six and 12 degrees Celsius in parts of the country," the spokesperson further added.

The NCMS has also warned of rough sea conditions over the next 24 hours, across the Arabian Gulf and the Oman Sea.