UAE Braces for Heavy Rain, Authorities Urge Caution

The United Arab Emirates is preparing for heavy rainfall expected across the country on Wednesday and Thursday, prompting authorities to issue safety warnings and implement precautionary measures. While the anticipated weather conditions are predicted to be less intense than the historic deluge that hit the UAE last month, officials are urging residents to remain vigilant and adhere to safety guidelines.

The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has forecast moderate to heavy rain accompanied by thunder, lightning, and the possibility of hail starting from Wednesday evening and extending into Thursday. The unstable weather is predicted to affect various regions, with the western, coastal, and eastern areas anticipated to experience the most significant impact.

In response to the weather alerts, the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) held a meeting with representatives from the Ministry of Interior (MoI) and the NCM to assess the situation and coordinate national efforts. NCEMA emphasized the importance of raising the alert level and ensuring readiness to deal with the weather situation effectively.

As a precautionary measure, NCEMA has recommended that all government and private sector employees, except for those in essential roles, work remotely on Thursday and Friday. The authority has also advised all educational institutions across the UAE to implement distance learning during this period.

Why this matters: The UAE's proactive approach to managing adverse weather conditions demonstrates the country's commitment to ensuring public safety and minimizing disruptions to daily life. By implementing remote work and distance learning measures, authorities aim to reduce the risk of accidents and allow emergency services to focus on responding to any potential incidents.

The MoI has urged the public to exercise caution, follow official guidelines, and avoid areas prone to flooding or water accumulation. Roads leading to valleys, dams, and flood-prone regions will be closed to mitigate the impact of the adverse weather conditions.

In Dubai, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has announced that all private schools, universities, and early childhood centers will shift to distance learning on Thursday and Friday. Similarly, schools and universities in Sharjah will also adopt remote learning for the two days.

The Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure has taken necessary measures to ensure the safety of infrastructure, including roads and dams. Teams have been deployed to monitor water flow rates and clean water drainage systems to prevent flooding.

While the expected weather conditions are not as severe as the April storm, NCEMA has reiterated the importance of adhering to safety protocols and relying on official sources for updates. "The current weather situation is being closely monitored, and all relevant entities are prepared to handle any potential impacts," stated an NCEMA spokesperson during the meeting.

Residents are advised to stay informed about the latest <a href="https://www.khaleejtimes.

Key Takeaways

• UAE braces for heavy rainfall, issues safety warnings and precautionary measures.
• Moderate to heavy rain, thunder, lightning, and hail expected from Wed to Thu.
• Authorities recommend remote work and distance learning to reduce disruptions.
• Roads leading to flood-prone areas to be closed, infrastructure safety measures taken.
• Residents advised to stay informed and follow official guidelines for updates.