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UAE rain and hail this week: check your tyre tread first

Rain is forecast in parts of the UAE until 31 October 2026 after hail in RAK and Fujairah. Why tread depth matters on wet roads, plus a two-minute check.

Short answer

  • The NCM forecasts rain in northern, eastern or southern areas each day from 27 to 31 October 2026.
  • Hail and heavy rain hit Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah on 27 October; Abu Dhabi Police urged care.
  • The legal minimum tread for cars is 1.6 mm; some UAE advice is to replace tyres at about 4 mm.
  • Check the wear bars, look for cracks and bulges, and set pressure from the door label.
In this guide (5 sections)
  1. What the forecast says
  2. Why tread matters on wet roads
  3. A two-minute check before you drive
  4. If you are caught out
  5. What to check before you act

Rain is forecast in parts of the UAE every day until Saturday 31 October 2026, after hail and heavy rain hit Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah on Tuesday afternoon. Before the first wet drive, take two minutes to check your tyres' tread. A worn tyre clears less water, and the UAE's legal minimum of 1.6 mm is a floor, not a safety target.

uaetyre.com is an independent guide. We are not affiliated with any government authority, tyre brand or retailer, and we don't sell tyres.

What the forecast says

The National Centre of Meteorology bulletin, reported by Gulf News on 27 October, gives this outlook:

Day Rain possible Also forecast
Tue 27 Oct Northern, eastern and southern areas Winds up to 45 km/h inland, blowing dust
Wed 28 Oct Northern and eastern areas Winds up to 50 km/h; fog or mist in the morning
Thu 29 Oct Eastern and southern areas Winds up to 45 km/h
Fri 30 Oct Mainly eastern areas Humid nights
Sat 31 Oct Eastern and northern areas Mist or fog possible

The National reported that the NCM's map showed heavy rain in Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah and Al Ain until Thursday, while daytime temperatures in Abu Dhabi and Dubai stay in the mid to high 30s. Abu Dhabi Police asked drivers to take care in the rain and to obey the variable speed limits on road signs during bad weather.

Forecasts change. Check the NCM's latest bulletin before a long drive, especially to the east coast or the mountains.

Why tread matters on wet roads

Tread grooves carry water out from under the tyre. As they wear shallower, there is less room for that water, and grip on a wet road falls.

The 2012 ESMA tyre rules, as reported by Gulf News, set the legal minimum at 1.6 mm for cars. In 2018, Khaleej Times quoted dubizzle's motors team advising drivers to change tyres once tread drops below 4 mm. Our guide on bulges, cracks and tread depth has the full table for other vehicle types.

A two-minute check before you drive

  1. Find the wear bars. Small raised bars across the bottom of the main grooves, often marked by a triangle on the shoulder. If the tread is level with them, the tyre is at about 1.6 mm. Replace it.
  2. Look along each sidewall. Cracks, cuts or a bulge are a reason to get the tyre inspected before a wet highway trip.
  3. Check pressure cold, from the door label. Don't let air out for the rain.
  4. Read the date code. Tyres over five years from manufacture are treated as expired in the UAE. See how to read a tyre date code.
  5. Check the spare. If a tyre fails in the rain, you will need it. See do unused spare tyres expire?

If you are caught out

If a tyre fails on a wet road, hold the wheel straight, ease off the accelerator and don't brake hard. Our guide on what to do after a tyre blowout covers the steps. In an emergency, call 999.

Driving on worn tyres can also bring a Dh500 fine and four black points. See UAE tyre fines.

What to check before you act

  • Check the NCM forecast on the day you drive.
  • Replace any tyre with tread at the wear bars.
  • Use the door-label pressure, measured cold.
  • Slow down and follow variable speed limits in rain.

Questions people ask

When is rain expected in the UAE this week?

The National Centre of Meteorology bulletin reported by Gulf News on 27 October 2026 gives possible rain each day to Saturday 31 October, mostly in northern, eastern and southern areas, with fog or mist some mornings.

What is the minimum tyre tread in the UAE?

1.6 mm for cars and other light vehicles under the 2012 ESMA tyre rules. Small wear bars in the grooves show when a tyre reaches that point.

What did Abu Dhabi Police tell drivers about the rain?

The National reported on 27 October 2026 that Abu Dhabi Police asked motorists to take care in the rain and obey the variable speed limits shown on road signs in bad weather.

Should I lower tyre pressure in the rain?

No. Use the pressure on your car's door label, checked when the tyres are cold. Under-inflated tyres do not grip a wet road better.

General information only, not legal or mechanical advice. Rules, fines and prices change; check with the RTA, your local police or a qualified fitter before you act. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.

Sources

  1. UAE weather update: rain and strong winds expected across several areas (Gulf News, 27 Oct 2026)checked 27 October 2026
  2. Hail hits Northern Emirates as Abu Dhabi issues rain alert (The National, 27 Oct 2026)checked 27 October 2026
  3. UAE weather tomorrow: chance of rains; winds to cause blowing dust (Khaleej Times, 26 Oct 2026)checked 27 October 2026
  4. What the law says on tyres (Gulf News)checked 27 October 2026
  5. UAE: 5-point checklist to maintain car tyres and stay safe (Gulf News, 2023)checked 27 October 2026
  6. How to maintain vehicle tyres during summer in UAE (Khaleej Times, 2018)checked 27 October 2026

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