Thunder roars over Dubai, Sharjah: Residents rattled by lightning storms

Residents across the United Arab Emirates reported flashes of lightning, booming thunder, and heavy downpours as an intense weather system swept through major cities overnight on Thursday into early Friday morning (March 27), triggering alerts.

According to National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), unstable conditions driven by a low-pressure system have brought repeated waves of rain, strong winds, and thunderstorms across the country.

#تنبيه #المركز_الوطني_للأرصاد
#Alert_#NCM pic.twitter.com/dtXVozq9RB

— المركز الوطني للأرصاد (@ncmuae) March 26, 2026

From Dubai to Abu Dhabi and the northern emirates, residents said the skies put on a full-blown light-and-sound show — booming thunderclaps and electric streaks of lightning flashing overhead, all at the height of raging storm clouds that dumped sheets of rain across a vast stretch of the area.

The UAE is bracing for one final wave of unstable weather, with heavy rain, thunderstorms, strong winds and possible hail expected through Friday, March 27, as per the (NCM).

#تنبيه #المركز_الوطني_للأرصاد
#Alert_#NCM pic.twitter.com/RSopYB9Lw4

— المركز الوطني للأرصاد (@ncmuae) March 26, 2026

Authorities reassured the public that such thunder is a normal feature of the current storm system, even as conditions remained volatile.

Eastern regions, particularly Fujairah, have been among the hardest hit. Rainfall intensity has been highest in areas such as Taawun, where gauges recorded the heaviest accumulation so far during this weather episode, according to live updates.

The rainy weather system is expected to continue affecting the country until Friday night, bringing heavy showers to scattered areas.

According to a NCM, the rainfall is expected to reach Abu Dhabi between 1 am and 3 am on Friday, before spreading to Dubai, the northern coasts, and the southern interior, accompanied by heavy showers. By 4–5 am, the system will extend to the northern and eastern regions, including Al Ain, with continued heavy rainfall.

Weather to improve by Saturday

Authorities have issued alerts and urged caution, particularly in Abu Dhabi, before conditions begin to improve from Saturday, with clearer skies and cooler temperatures forecast.