Heavy rain in Masafi caused rockfalls, waterfalls, and hazardous roads, prompting multiple official safety warnings/Image: Instagram
Parts of the UAE’s eastern region, especially Masafi in Fujairah, witnessed intense rainfall on Sunday afternoon, resulting in falling rocks, road hazards, and the formation of waterfalls across mountainous terrain. With further rain forecasted into next week, authorities have issued multiple warnings urging residents and motorists to stay alert and safe during this period of volatile weather.
Rockfalls, waterfalls and road hazards in Masafi
On Sunday afternoon, the mountainous roads of Masafi in Fujairah were impacted by heavy rain, which led to rocks and debris falling onto key routes. In several video clips shared by weather monitoring accounts such as Storm_centre, vehicles were seen navigating cautiously around large boulders that had rolled down from the surrounding grey hillsides.Simultaneously, the intense downpour created mini waterfalls flowing down rocky slopes, turning roads into scenic yet risky passageways. Overflowing water formed streams alongside the roads, attracting residents who ventured out to witness the striking natural scenes despite safety warnings. Some wadis in the area also recorded particularly heavy rainfall, contributing to localized flooding concerns. The UAE’s National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) issued yellow and orange alerts for the eastern region, particularly warning of hazardous conditions in mountainous and hilly areas. The risk of landslides and flash floods prompted officials to urge extreme caution, especially in low-lying areas and flood-prone zones.
Weather advisories and driving precautions
Following the rainfall, authorities released several safety advisories to guide public behavior during the hazardous weather. Motorists were strongly advised to:
- Reduce speed and drive with caution in affected regions
- Avoid roads with accumulated water
- Be alert in mountainous areas due to the possibility of landslides or falling rocks
- Monitor updates and instructions from official weather and emergency departments
Light to moderate winds, reaching speeds of up to 40 km/h, are expected in the coming days. These winds may stir dust and sand in exposed locations, temporarily reducing visibility. Though the sea conditions are expected to remain slight in both the Arabian Gulf and the Oman Sea, coastal residents have also been urged to remain vigilant.
What to expect in the coming days
The unsettled weather is part of the UAE’s transitional period between summer and winter, a time often marked by sudden changes in temperature, increased humidity, and cloud development. Starting October 21, cloud activity is expected to intensify, particularly in the eastern and southern regions of the country, with scattered rainfall forecasted for multiple areas.According to the NCM, this instability is linked to a low-pressure system originating from the Arabian Sea, which began affecting the region about a week ago. Combined with upper atmospheric changes, the system is increasing humidity and contributing to the formation of convective clouds. These clouds are likely to produce additional rainfall over the mountains and southeastern regions.On Monday and Tuesday, further rain is expected in Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah. Afternoon cloud buildups are likely in several inland and elevated areas. Residents have been advised to remain aware of evolving forecasts and to limit outdoor activities in vulnerable locations during periods of rainfall.
Temperature fluctuations and humidity forecast
Sunday’s rain offered temporary relief from the recent stretch of intense heat. Temperatures across the country dropped slightly, with the coolest recorded temperature being 17.7°C in Jais Mountain, Ras Al Khaimah, early Sunday morning. Elsewhere, the heat persisted, with daytime temperatures staying in the mid to high 30s Celsius. The highest temperature on Sunday was 38.3°C, recorded at 2:30 p.m. in Abu Qurayn, located in the Al Dhafra Region.Despite the rain, temperatures are expected to remain relatively high in the coming days. Forecasts suggest maximums of around 37°C in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The Northern Emirates may experience slightly cooler conditions by a couple of degrees.Humidity levels are also forecasted to increase, particularly in the mornings and at night. On Sunday, Sweihan in Al Ain was expected to see humidity rise up to 91 percent. In Abu Dhabi and Dubai, levels may reach about 85 percent next week, raising the chances of fog or mist formation — especially during early morning hours. This may affect visibility and driving conditions, particularly during daily commutes. Go to Source
