Heavy Rainfall Alert Across Gulf, Iran, and Israel; Flood Risk in UAE

Several countries across the Gulf region and West Asia are expected to experience intense rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms from March 23 to March 27, raising concerns about localized flooding, especially in the UAE.

In recent days, Oman and Saudi Arabia have already witnessed heavy rains and waterlogging. The rain system is now extending toward UAE, Qatar, and Kuwait, where conditions are expected to worsen in the coming days.

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms have triggered flash flooding in parts of Riyadh and surrounding areas, submerging streets, disrupting traffic, and prompting warnings from authorities. pic.twitter.com/tcTUTgeICy
— NextMinute News (@nextminutenews7) March 23, 2026

Western Disturbance Driving the Weather

The current weather pattern is linked to a strong Western Disturbance, originating from the Mediterranean region. This system moves inland through Turkey and travels across West Asia toward the Himalayan region of India.

Although such rainfall is locally known in the Gulf as part of seasonal transition (“Ghaith”), the unusual factor this time is its extended duration of nearly a week. Rainfall intensity may fluctuate but is expected to persist through the end of March.

Rainfall From GCC to India

As the system progresses, it is likely to bring rain, hailstorms, and even snowfall across a wide region including:
• Gulf countries
• Iran and Iraq
• Palestine and Israel
• Afghanistan and Pakistan
• Northern parts of India such as Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh

UAE: Rain to Continue Until Friday

In the UAE, convective cloud formations have already begun developing, leading to thunderstorms and heavy showers. Major cities including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Al Ain, and Ras Al Khaimah are expected to receive rainfall.

Heavy rain and strong winds at AI Khail gate in Dubai pic.twitter.com/q4j3Reaqti
— 💝🌹💖🇮🇳jaggirmRanbir🇮🇳💖🌹💝 (@jaggirm) March 21, 2026

Rainfall is likely to intensify from Abu Dhabi toward the northern emirates, increasing the risk of
• Waterlogging
• Traffic disruptions
• Reduced visibility

Authorities, including the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), have issued warnings urging residents to remain cautious.

Despite the UAE’s typically low annual rainfall, sudden heavy downpours sometimes reaching up to 20 cm within a week are becoming more frequent, a trend linked to climate change.

Daily Forecast Highlights (UAE)
• Monday: Rain intensifies in northern and eastern regions
• Tuesday: Rain across north, east, and south (Al Ain likely to receive heavier showers)
• Wednesday: Rain expected across most parts
• Thursday: Morning lull, followed by increased rainfall in the afternoon, including western regions
• Friday: Heavy rain likely over coastal and island areas

Saudi Arabia Issues Alerts

Saudi Arabia’s meteorological authorities have issued Red, Orange, and Yellow alerts across several provinces.
• Eastern regions including Al-Ahsa, Al-Uqair, and Haradh under warning early Monday
• Cities like Jubail, Khobar, Dammam, Dhahran, Qatif, and Ras Tanura on alert from afternoon to night
• Southern regions such as Asir and Najran may experience hailstorms and strong winds

Wadi Al-Ma'awil in South Al Batinah Governorate recorded a rainfall of 85 mm since the rain began pouring on Saturday until 8 PM, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries Wealth & Water Resources (MAFWR)#oman #wadialmaawil #rainfall #arabiandaily #ad pic.twitter.com/nCW7hRmxWp
— Arabian Daily (@arabiandailys) March 21, 2026

Authorities warn of
• Flash floods
• Thunderstorms
• Reduced visibility due to dust and rain

Oman and Iran Also Affected

Heavy rainfall is expected across Oman, particularly in:
• Muscat
• Buraimi
• Sohar
• Duqm
• Al Batinah regions
Meanwhile, rainfall is likely to intensify in southern Iran and parts of Iraq.

Impact on Conflict Zones

Rain is also forecast in Israel, Lebanon, and Gaza, regions already affected by ongoing conflict. The adverse weather may:
• Disrupt military operations
• Increase hardship for civilians
• Worsen humanitarian conditions

Safety Advisory

Authorities across the region advise
• Avoid low-lying and flood-prone areas
• Stay away from valleys and mountainous regions
• Avoid sea travel during this period
• Drive cautiously and reduce speed

Safety Guidelines During the Expected Weather Conditions:
• Stay away from valleys, flood-prone areas, and places where rainwater may accumulate
• Stay away from mountainous areas
• Avoid going to sea
• Exercise caution while driving and reduce speed
•Follow official… pic.twitter.com/2JEsVyAJrH
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) March 22, 2026

Rainfall activity across the Gulf is expected to continue intermittently until the end of March, with isolated showers possible in early April. While the rains may benefit water reservoirs and agriculture, they also pose significant risks of flooding and disruption.