Rain and Hail Sweep UAE as Donkeys Graze Amid Cooling Weather

Published on Sun 18 Oct 2026 at 4:27 PM, the report notes that while residents across the UAE enjoyed their weekend, several areas experienced rain and hail as the weather began to shift toward cooler months.

Weather Alerts and Rainfall

The National Centre of Meteorology issued orange and yellow alerts for convective cloud formation in parts of the country, warning of expected rainfall until 7 pm on the same day in eastern and western regions. The showers follow an earlier forecast of winter clouds arriving in mid‑October, with the chance of rain increasing after the middle of autumn. Humidity is expected to rise in the first half of autumn, and fog may form during early morning hours.

Impact: Donkeys, Hail and Temperatures

Visuals shared by the Storm Centre show moderate to heavy rain on roads in the eastern region, as well as near Khor Fakkan and Al Ajili, east of Shuka. One video captures donkeys grazing and enjoying the rain against a mountain backdrop, providing relief from the prevailing humid conditions. In contrast, heavy hail fell on Dubai’s Margham area, blanketing the light‑brown desert dunes with white. The lowest temperature recorded in the Emirates on that day was a breezy 21.2 °C at Ras Al Khaimah’s Jais Mountain at 6.15 am.

Safety Advice

Residents have been advised to stay alert for outdoor activities and to follow authorities’ instructions. Regarding driving, they should adopt safety measures, avoid travel unless absolutely necessary, and remain vigilant for all road users. When visibility is reduced, low‑beam headlights should be switched on. The NCM also warned against spreading rumours and urged the public to rely on official sources for verified updates. Police normally call on motorists to exercise caution and to respect variable speed limits shown on signs and electronic boards. Authorities reiterated the need to stay away from hazardous locations, advising residents to avoid valleys, low‑lying areas and flood‑prone zones, not to attempt crossing flooded wadis, to stay clear of beaches, the sea and mountainous areas during unstable weather, and to refrain from walking in or allowing children to play in pooled water.

Seasonal Temperature Outlook

The average high temperature at the start of the autumn season was 39 °C and is expected to fall to 26 °C, according to the National Centre of Meteorology. Around early November, in the middle of the season, highs are projected to reach 31 °C with lows of 18 °C. By the end of the season, temperatures are expected to rise to 25 °C and dip to a chilly 13 °C, coinciding with the winter solstice on 22 December.

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