Viral Video: A video showing lightning hitting the top of the Burj Khalifa has gone viral on social media.
In the video, shared by Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the world’s tallest building stands against a dark, stormy sky as a bright lightning bolt strikes its spire, followed by thunder and heavy rain.
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Sheikh Hamdan shared the video on social media with the hashtag #Dubai, along with cloud and rain emojis.
UAE Grapples with ‘Severe’ Weather
According to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), the UAE is currently under the impact of the peak phase of the ‘Al Bashayer’ low-pressure system. The weather department warned of moderate to heavy rain, lightning, thunder, and even hail in some areas.
Officials said unstable weather is being caused by a surface low-pressure system extending from the Red Sea, leading to thick cloud formations at different levels.
Authorities have urged residents to stay indoors, avoid flooded and low-lying areas, and travel only if necessary. Several roads in Dubai, Sharjah, and nearby areas were flooded, with videos of waterlogged streets widely shared online.
WFH Issued
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has asked private companies in affected areas to allow work from home (WFH) where possible. In Abu Dhabi, authorities have suspended community events as a precaution.
IndiGo Issues Travel Advisory
Indian airline IndiGo also issued a travel advisory, warning passengers that heavy rain and thunderstorms could lead to delays and disruptions in flight schedules across the UAE.
UAE Weather Forecast Till December 21
The NCM said unstable weather is likely to continue over the next few days.
December 20: Cloudy skies with rain expected in coastal, northern, and eastern areas. Winds may reach 15 km/h, with gusts up to 50 km/h.
December 21: Winds may range between 10–25 km/h, reaching 35 km/h. Sea conditions are expected to remain rough to moderate.
