More rain expected but UAE to escape worst of El Nino, forecasters say

The UAE is poised to avoid the brunt of the El Nino weather phenomenon, according to forecasters. However, residents may still encounter increased rainfall, the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) stated. El Nino's impact on the Emirates is indirect, as its effects primarily affect the Pacific Ocean, the NCM explained. Social media claims of flooding and unusually heavy rain in the UAE are unfounded, the centre added.

Although the current El Nino is unusually strong, it can also bring beneficial rainfall to the region. The NCM assured the public that the UAE's weather remains stable and is continuously monitored. Any significant weather changes will be announced in advance through official channels. The NCM also urged the public and media to verify information before sharing it, relying on official sources instead of rumors.

In July, the World Meteorological Organization reported that El Nino had developed and was expected to intensify, posing risks of heatwaves, droughts, heavy rainfall, and other extreme weather events in various parts of the world. The organization established coordination, climate information services, and early warning support to help governments, humanitarian agencies, and vulnerable communities prepare for potential impacts.

The WMO's Global Seasonal Climate Update indicated that a strong El Nino event was rapidly developing between July and September 2026, with ocean water warming significantly in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific.