In a rare twist of desert weather, Dubai was struck by heavy thunderstorms and its first summer hailstorm. Dark clouds loomed over Al Barsha and Motor City, unleashing torrential rain, lightning, and even ice pellets – all within the sweltering month of June. The sudden storm offered a short-lived but dramatic break from the city’s typical summer heat.
You could hear it before you saw it. Thunder cracked above Al Barsha, and the skies opened with a downpour that soaked the streets within minutes. Then came the hail — tiny white marbles bouncing off car hoods, villa roofs, and shocked pedestrians. In a city where June usually means relentless sun and 45°C heat, the icy surprise felt like a glitch in the matrix.
Residents stood on balconies filming the spectacle. Children chased hailstones, laughing in disbelief. Neighborhoods like Motor City and Dubai Sports City saw the heaviest impact, with brief street flooding and strong winds whipping through palm-lined avenues. The rainstorm lasted just under an hour but left a lasting impression.
The National Centre of Meteorology had issued warnings for unstable weather, and radar images showed dense rain cells moving eastward. Authorities anticipate more scattered storms in the coming days, especially in the eastern regions of the UAE.
Unusual weather events like this hailstorm highlight the growing importance of climate-resilient construction in Dubai. Areas like Al Barsha may experience minor damage to roofs or facades, prompting homeowners to consider better insulation or drainage systems. For investors, developments that emphasize weather durability may gain in value as climate unpredictability becomes part of the new normal.
