UAE rain brought heavy showers and hail to Masafi and nearby eastern regions on July 28, 2026, and the National Centre of Meteorology says more rain is possible in the coming days.
DUBAI: While most of the UAE continued to experience hot summer weather, parts of the country’s eastern region saw a completely different scene on July 28, 2026, with heavy rain, hail and even a dusty whirlwind sweeping through mountain areas.
According to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), intense convective clouds developed over the eastern mountains, bringing heavy rain to Masafi and surrounding areas. Hail was also reported in Masafi and Marbad, while cooler-than-usual conditions were experienced across the remote mountain regions.
Videos shared by weather monitoring platform Storm Centre showed wadis flowing with rainwater in Masafi, hailstones covering parts of Marbad and a dusty whirlwind forming as the weather changed rapidly. Rain was also reported along Al Watan Street in the eastern region.
So, is the rain over? Not yet.
The NCM says convective cloud activity is expected to continue over the eastern mountains, increasing the chances of more rain and hail over the next few days. Some of these rain-bearing clouds could also extend towards parts of central Sharjah and Al Ain, although rainfall intensity and coverage will vary from place to place.
Residents in affected areas have been advised to remain cautious, especially near valleys and low-lying areas where water can accumulate quickly during heavy downpours. Strong winds accompanying the storms may also reduce visibility by blowing dust and sand.
Interestingly, while rain and hail affected the eastern mountains, cities including Dubai, Abu Dhabi and most western parts of the country continued to see clear skies and typical summer temperatures. Daytime temperatures are expected to remain above 40°C across many areas this week despite the unstable weather in the east.
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Weather experts say this contrast is common during the UAE summer, when intense surface heating over mountainous areas can trigger afternoon convective clouds, resulting in isolated thunderstorms and heavy rainfall, while the rest of the country remains dry and sunny.
For now, residents planning to travel through the eastern region are advised to keep an eye on the latest weather updates, as more showers could develop over the coming days.
Babar Siddiqui is the Features Editor at TheBrewNews.com, where he covers stories spanning the environment, culture, and technology. A naturally curious storyteller with an adventurous spirit, he is passionate about exploring ideas that shape the world around us. Beyond the newsroom, Babar finds inspiration in nature, embracing its quiet moments as a source of reflection and creativity.
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