UAE weather: First rain of season falls on Abu Dhabi

The first rainfall of the season fell on the capital on Friday.

Earlier, forecasters warned of chilly weather and strong winds.

On Friday morning, the National Centre of Meteorology and Seismology said clouds could form along the coast, in the north and in eastern areas with chances of rainfall.

Residents in Abu Dhabi were surprised and excited by the showers and shared photos and videos via social media:

In November, President Sheikh Khalifa called on UAE residents to pray for rain - known as Salaat Al Istisqaa. Rain has since fallen in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, but Friday is the first downpour of the season in the capital.

Looking ahead, temperatures will drop in Abu Dhabi to 15°C overnight and reach highs of 25°C with humidity peaking at 80 per cent. Fresh to strong south-westerly winds will continue on Saturday reaching 40 kph speed over the coast causing rough seas and poor visibility.

Dubai will also be partly cloudy with temperatures ranging between 26°C and 17°C with humidity levels reaching 70 per cent

Temperatures along the coast will range between 26°C and 11°C, and 19°C to 6°C in the mountains.

Humidity is likely to increase during night and Saturday morning over some internal areas with a chance of mist formation.

Seas will be rough to very rough in the Arabian Gulf with waves reaching 4 to 5 feet high onshore and moderate to rough in the Sea of Oman.

The lowest temperature recorded in Raknah area with 4.1 °C on Friday morning