We have a hunch that the weather in the UAE saw the weekend getting a new year makeover (hello Saturday-Sunday weekend) and decided to switch things up as well. Lashing rains and thunderstorms across the country, brought he temperatures down. It was phenomenal.

Rain, lightning and thunder swept the country to welcome 2022 all through New Year’s Eve weekend. The UAE recorded the highest rainfall over Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with the most rain in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. A year’s worth of rain – 99.2 mm – in 8 hours battered most parts and led to flooding in some.

Residents have been making the best of this gorgeous weather by going out in the open, especially to the beaches, and experiencing the rain. A rarity in a place like Dubai, it has the people thrilled. Many expressed surprise over the sudden torrential downpours, adding that rain like this hasn’t been seen in Dubai in the last three years.

More of this wet weather is expected over the next week in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Al Ain and other parts of the country, with rain and hail accompanied by thunder and lightning so make sure to carry an umbrella when you step out!