Here’s why that public safety weather alert popped up on your phone

Some Dubai residents received a new public safety weather alert this evening around 7 pm, as Dubai Police urged the public to exercise caution and stay at home, with unsettled weather expected to continue until Friday midday.

Earlier today, at 8:30 am on Wednesday, December 18, Dubai Police had already issued a similar alert after residents received notifications on their phones warning of unstable weather conditions. Rainfall was recorded around 1 pm, and more showers are expected later this evening.

What does this mean?

In the alert, Dubai Police advised residents to avoid beaches, refrain from sailing, and stay clear of valleys and areas prone to flash flooding. Motorists have also been urged to exercise extreme caution, drive carefully, and follow the instructions of authorities at all times.

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Rain timings

According to the latest forecasts, light rain is expected from around 1pm to 5pm today, December 18. Conditions are then set to worsen, with heavy rain forecast from 10pm tonight through to approximately 10am tomorrow, Thursday December 19.

The National Centre of Meteorology has also warned that parts of the UAE may experience lightning, thunder and hail on Thursday December 18 and Friday December 19.

In anticipation of heavy rainfall and strong winds of up to 65km/h, Dubai Police has reiterated the need for all motorists to follow safe driving practices.

Driving in the rain? We’ve rounded up the fines you should be aware of.

This is not the first public weather safety alert to be issued

On Saturday, December 13, at around 9pm, residents received a warning from Dubai Police on their phones, advising of unstable weather conditions.

Just hours later, on Sunday morning, December 14, Dubai woke up to rainfall — a sight that still feels unusual in a city known for year-round sunshine.

While rain isn’t a regular part of the UAE’s natural weather cycle, it is often supported by cloud seeding, a process used to enhance rainfall across the region. Behind the scenes, the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) operates one of the world’s most advanced cloud-seeding programmes. By introducing tiny particles such as salt crystals or nanomaterials into clouds, scientists help water droplets grow heavy enough to fall as rain – boosting rainfall in a country where water is a precious resource.

And it looks like last weekend may have just been the beginning, as a cold front is set to hit Dubai from today, December 18, with temperatures expected to drop as low as 10°C next week.

Stay tuned to What’s On for more weather updates.

Image: What’s On Dubai