Dubai and Abu Dhabi hit by thunderstorms and rain

Conditions could worsen throughout the week

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, May 19, 2019. – Poor visibility at the Al Rahbah- Old Al Shahama area. 
Victor Besa/The National
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Heavy rain lashed Dubai on Sunday night as a tropical-style storm opened up over the UAE coast.

Streaks of lightning cascaded the night sky and thunder boomed shortly after maghrib prayers.

Some streets quickly filled up with rain water in the new Dubai districts of The Greens and the Marina.

The downpour followed a dusty, humid and overcast day on Sunday and heavy rain and flooding in Oman on Saturday.

Unsettled weather is forecast to continue throughout this week.

Heavy rain and thunder were also reported in Abu Dhabi on Sunday.

Abu Dhabi Municipality sent out a safety warning to members of the public on Twitter, urging them to take extra care during the bad weather.

Temperatures will range between 25°C and 39°C in coastal areas while residents inland can between a range of 28°C to 42°C. The mountains will be cooler with lows of 19°C and highs of 31°C forecast.

Humidity will peak at 80 per cent across most of the country.

Winds will be moderate, picking up at times and kicking up dust and sand, reducing visibility. Motorists have been advised to drive with caution.

The worst of the rainy weather is expected between Monday and Wednesday.

Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah

On Sunday, heavy rain began to fall in Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah - causing a ten minute power cut in Khorfakkan.

Forecasters reported hail in Wadi Mai in Fujairah while a storm accompanied by strong wind hit Rafaq, a settlement bordering Oman, in Ras Al Khaimah.

Oman

Across the UAE border, into Oman, heavy rain caused flooding in the country's wadis.

The flooding is thought to have swept up a family of six in Al Sharqiyah, prompting a search party from police, according to Times of Oman.

Videos of the flooding were shared online with one showing a camel caught up in the floods and attempting to swim out, though it is unclear where the video was filmed.

The video was shared on the UAE Storm Centre Instagram account.

Both the Arabian Gulf and Sea of Oman is expected to be rough throughout the week.