A big weather change is coming to the Middle East. Starting tomorrow, March 25, 2026, parts of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Iran, and Iraq could see days of very heavy rain and strong storms.
Weather experts say this could bring flooding in places that rarely get much water, similar to the mass flooding that was witnessed in Abu Dhabi and Dubai just a couple of years ago.
WHAT IS CAUSING THE STORM?
A slow-moving weather system from the Mediterranean Sea is drifting towards the East and is pulling in moist air from the Red Sea.
This interaction is expected to trigger heavy rains and thunderstorms that build up and move across the region over several days.
Forecasts show some areas could get 100 to 500 millimetres of rain between March 23 and 28. That is a huge amount for desert countries.
In Dubai, for instance, the normal yearly rainfall is only about 100 millimetres. This means some places might receive their entire year’s rain in just one or two days.
WHAT PLACES ARE AT RISK?
The hardest-hit spots are likely to be Dubai and other parts of the UAE, southern and western Iran, and eastern Iraq.
Earlier rain this week will add to the total, making the ground even wetter and floods more likely. Higher hills in Iraq and Iran may also see heavy snow.
Flash floods are the main worry in cities and dry riverbeds that are not built for so much water. Roads could close, flights might be delayed, and low-lying areas could fill up quickly. The storms may also bring strong winds and lightning.
Some regions, like Oman and Abu Dhabi, are already seeing heavy rainfall. In Oman, reports of heavy flooding and weather-related deaths have already emerged, underlining how a shifting climate is hurting a region not accustomed to these patterns.
Experts are advising people in the affected zones to stay safe, avoid low areas during rain and follow local warnings. While the Middle East does see occasional storms, this one stands out for its strength and length.
